Virginia Big-eared Bat

The Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) occurs in isolated populations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The greatest number of bats is found in West Virginia. Because of the bat’s small population size, limited distribution, and vulnerability to human disturbance, the Fish and Wildlife Service listed this subspecies as endangered in 1979.

Many of these bats are concentrated in a small number of caves. The subspecies tends to hibernate in tight clusters in cool areas of a cave, while maternity colonies are located in relatively warm areas of the cave. Possible limiting factors for Virginia big-eared bat recovery include continued human disturbance of cave habitats and predation.

Partnerships for recovery of the Virginia big-eared bat include the Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, National Park Service, Monongahela National Forest, and private landowners.

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