Bats are a critical part of our ecosystem and an important component of the agricultural economy. As the main predator of night-flying insects in Ohio, bats keep insect populations in check and reduce impacts on humans. Unfortunately, bat numbers have drastically declined over the last few years because of habitat loss, wind energy development, and White-nose Syndrome (WNS).
The Ohio Division of Wildlife has monitored bat populations since 2011 with a mobile acoustic survey, but there is a general lack of information in the state, and elsewhere, on summer roost locations. This is where we need YOUR help! We are currently seeking members of the community to monitor roosts twice in the summer: before and after pups are able to fly. The goal of the survey is to gather information and evaluate the prevalence of summer colonies.
Learn more about this unique opportunity, and how you can get involved: wildohio.gov/gobatty