Six species of bats can be found using the Green Mountain National Forest throughout the year [Little Brown bat, Big Brown bat, Eastern Small-footed bat, Northern Long-eared bat, Indiana bat and Eastern Pipistrelle]. During the summer months three additional bats migrate into the northern New England region; these are the Silver-haired bat, the Red bat, and the Hoary bat. A majority of the bats found in the Green Mountain National Forest are Little Brown bats.

These forest dwelling bats find suitable habitat throughout much of the Green Mountain National Forest during the summer; foraging over streams (and in riparian areas adjacent to these streams), and then seeking day time refuge in the bark and hollows of our woodland trees. The six, year-round resident species seek winter refuge in hibernacula found in Vermont and the Green Mountain National Forest. Bats select a variety of places for their winter hibernation, including caves, abandoned mines, and talus slopes. One abandoned mine, owned by the Green Mountain National Forest, has been gated to prevent disturbance during the hibernation period.

Researchers and scientists in Vermont have been monitoring bat populations since the early 1900's. We continue to track the numbers of these bats and are undertaking additional studies to learn more about bat activity and needs during the summer months in Vermont.

For additional information on bats, please contact Mike Burbank (mburbank@fs.fed.us)

Other link sites - Vermont Nongame and Natural Heritage
                           Bat Conservation International

Hibernating Little Brown Bat

Hibernating Little Brown Bats