Virginia big-eared bats (Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii virginianus) photo courtesy of Craig Stihler

Several animals, including owls, hawks, raccoons, skunks, and snakes prey on bats; yet, relatively few animals consume bats as a regular part of their diet. Man seems to be the only animal having significant impact on bat populations. Adverse human impacts include habitat destruction, direct killing, vandalism, disturbance of hibernating and maternity colonies, use of pesticides (on their food - insects), and other chemical toxicants. Drastic reductions in bat populations have occurred during recent years in the United States and worldwide.

Human disturbance to hibernation and maternity colonies is a major factor in the decline of many bat species. Even well meaning individuals such as cavers and biologists cause these disturbances. Hibernating bats arouse from hibernation when disturbed by people entering their caves. When aroused, they use up precious winter fat needed to support them until insects are again available in spring. A single arousal probably costs a bat as much energy as it would normally expend in two to three weeks of hibernation. Thus, if aroused often, hibernating bats may starve to death before spring.

Disturbance to summer maternity colonies also is extremely detrimental. Maternity colonies won't tolerate disturbance, especially when flightless newborn young are present. Baby bats may be dropped to their deaths or abandoned by panicked parents if disturbance occurs during this period.

In some parts of the world, especially in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, many bat species are used as food by humans. There is concern that many food species may become extinct due to overharvest and lack of adequate management. This is true not only for the larger "meatier" species such as fruit bats, but for smaller bats as well.

Information for this web site was taken almost exclusively from:

Bats of the United States
by
Michael J. Harvey
Tennessee Technological University
J. Scott Atlenbach
University of New Mexico
Troy L. Best
Auburn University

Published by
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

In Cooperation with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville, North Carolina Field Office
1999

Copies of this publication are available from the Service's Asheville, North Carolina Field Office (828) 258-3939