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The gray bat is an endangered species. Endangered Species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. But what exactly are these strange creatures? Let's find out!
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Appearance
Gray bats are distinguished from other bats by the unicolored fur on their back. In addition, following their molt in July or August, gray bats have dark gray fur which often bleaches to a chestnut brown or russet. They weigh 7-16 grams. The bat's wing membrane connects to its ankle instead of at the toe, where it is connected in other species of Myotis.
Habitat
With rare exceptions, gray bats live in caves year-round. During the winter gray bats hibernate in deep, vertical caves. In the summer, they roost in caves which are scattered along rivers. These caves are in limestone karst areas of the southeastern United States. They do not use houses or barns, as is commonly believed.
Range
The core range of the gray bat encompasses the cave regions of Alabama, northern Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. Populations also occur in portions of Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Virginia, and possibly North Carolina.
Lifestyle
Gray bats roost, breed, rear young and hibernate in caves year round. They migrate between summer and winter caves and will use transient or stopover caves along the way. Mating occurs as bats return to winter caves in September and October. By November, most gray bats are hibernating. Adult females begin to emerge in late March, followed by juveniles and adult males. Females store sperm over winter and become pregnant the following spring. A few hundred to many thousands of pregnant females congregate to form maternity colonies. Males and nonreproductive females gather in smaller groups to form what are known as bachelor colonies. A single pup is born in late May or early June. Young begin to fly 20 to 25 days after birth. Gray bats feed primarily on flying insects over rivers and lakes. Aquatic insects, particularly mayflies, make up most of their diet.
Why Is It Endangered?
Because gray bats are found in caves year round, they are very vulnerable to human disturbance. This has contributed greatly to their decline. As with any cave bat, alterations of caves and cave entrances (Such as commercialization and improper gating) have negatively affected their populations. Gray bats have also been killed during natural flooding and flooding caused by manmade impoundments. The overuse of pesticides has also contributed to their decline. Pollution and siltation of streams causing a reduction in aquatic insects may also affect gray bat populations.
How Can We Help Them?
You can volunteer to help clean up Areas where bats live, such as the rivers where they feed. You can also join a local conservation chapter.
Together, we can make a difference!
Together, we can make a difference!
