{"id":622,"date":"2023-04-29T18:26:37","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T18:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/welter-museum.org\/?p=622"},"modified":"2024-03-13T21:17:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T21:17:38","slug":"bats-bats-bats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/welter-museum.org\/index.php\/2023\/04\/29\/bats-bats-bats\/","title":{"rendered":"Bats, Bats, Bats!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the weather gets warmer and more insects come out, you may start to see some of Minnesota\u2019s native bat species! Part of the order Chiroptera (meaning hand-wing) bats are the only mammals capable of true-flight. Although they have been subject to some negative PR, bats are very helpful creatures that participate in pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Some studies have estimated that bats consume enough pests to save the US corn industry over $1 billion\/year in crop damage- and even more worldwide! Unfortunately, there are a few factors that are threatening their survival. Human activity can disrupt their hibernation, many are killed because of their misunderstood reputations, and several species are being threatened by a fungal infection called White-Nose Syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet Some Local Bats!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Little Brown Bat (Myotis Lucifigus<\/em>)<\/strong>– The little brown bat is just that- little and brown! Weighing only half an ounce, the little brown bat was once a common sight in Minnesota. Unfortunately, due to White-Nose Syndrome, the species is now endangered and some studies have estimated they will be extinct in the next 65 years. (Photo: Jason Corbett, https:\/\/www.batcon.org\/bat\/myotis-lucifugus\/)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Big Brown Bat (Epitiscus fuscus<\/em>)<\/strong>– Now the most common species encountered in Minnesota (and the most likely to be holed up in your attic over the winter), the big brown bat is almost double the size of the little brown bat- although still quite small, often weighing less than 1 ounce! This bat is not migratory and may hibernate in buildings where it can easily access foraging areas as the weather warms up! (Photo: Michael Durham, Minden Pictures; https:\/\/www.batcon.org\/bat\/eptesicus-fuscus\/)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Eastern Red Bat (Lasiarus borealis<\/em>)<\/strong>– This bat has a beautiful, bright red coat to help camouflage itself among dead leaves! They are a rare sighting and don\u2019t associate with humans as much as other bats. You might happen upon them in California or Arizona, however, where they migrate over the winter! (Photo: J. Scott Altenbach; https:\/\/www.batcon.org\/bat\/lasiurus-borealis\/)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Hoary Bat (Lasiarus Cinereus<\/em>)<\/strong>– Named after their smoky grey color, the Hoary Bat migrates to tropical areas in the wintertime. Their yellow face and frosted tips make them adorable little creatures! (Photo: Michael Durham, Minden Pictures; https:\/\/www.batcon.org\/bat\/lasiurus-cinereus\/)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagens<\/em>)<\/strong>– Not to be confused with the Hoary bat, the silver-haired bat\u2019s fur is darker at the base and in the face. This bat species are known to migrate and <\/em>hibernate in the winter, leaving Minnesota to milder climates before entering their dormancy. (Photo: Michael Durham, Minden Pictures; https:\/\/www.batcon.org\/bat\/lasionycteris-noctivagans\/)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How can I help bats?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n