Bats Are Friends, Not Foes, And Here’s Why They Matter

It's Halloween week, so of course it's also Bat Awareness week as well. Why, you ask? Well, let's dive into this like a bat!

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bat Week began on October 24th through the 31st, raising awareness about the critical role of bats in the environment. Bats are so misunderstood.

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The DEC is asking New Yorkers to refrain from visiting caves and mines during the fall and winter months to reduce human disturbance to endangered and threatened bats.

While many people think bats are scary and harmful, that is just not the case. In fact, they are more helpful with an appetite for insects, which helps limit the amount of pesticides used for crops and gardens, reduces mosquitoes, and may help limit the spread of invasive insects in New York, according the the NYS DEC.

During Bat Week, DEC is highlighting the important role bats play in our environment and natural ecosystem, and that we all should do what we can to help protect New York's at-risk bat populations while they’re hibernating in caves and mines. Disturbing bats from their hibernation patterns can cause unnecessary harm to their systems and recovery. When outdoors this time of year, please do not venture into caves and move away quietly to ensure bats can remain in their natural hibernation patterns.  - NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

According to the NYS DEC, there are nine bat species found in New York State. Of those, six species are bats that hibernate in caves and mines throughout the winter.

Bats need to be protected from winter temperatures, so they spend the cold months hibernating in caves and mines that have relatively constant, warm temperatures.

If bats are disturbed during hibernation, they raise their body temperature, depleting crucial fat reserves. This stored fat is the only source of energy available to the bats until the weather warms in spring and insects become readily available. The more frequently bats are disturbed, the less likely they are to survive the long winter months underground without eating. - NYS DEC

From October 1st through April 30th, New Yorkers are urged to follow posted notices restricting access to caves and mines. If you discover bats hibernating in a cave, leave quickly and quietly. Do not disturb the bats. Violators are subject to prosecution.

For more interesting information about bats in New York State, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.