Bats in Danger this Halloween

While bat costumes fly off the shelves each Halloween, real bats in Connecticut are dramatically decreasing in numbers.

In less than four years, white-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed thousands of Connecticut’s bats according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The little-understood fungus has killed more than a million bats throughout the Northeast and has spread to over a dozen states, leaving a trail of ecological havoc in its wake.

The affected species are known as “cave bats,” and include little brown, northern long-eared, tri-colored (pipistrelle), big brown, and the Indiana bat (a federally endangered species). 

As cooler weather approaches and bats settle in to hibernate, the DEEP encourages Connecticut residents to help monitor white-nose syndrome in the state.

Residents are asked to report bats found outdoors from mid-November through mid-March.  While the characteristic white fuzzy fungal growth may not be readily visible on a bat’s nose, bats seen flying during the day or clinging to the outside of a building during late fall and winter are a sign that white-nose syndrome may be at work.

Sighting details, including the date, location, what you observed, and digital photos if possible, may be submitted to the DEEP Wildlife Division at dep.batprogram@ct.gov or by calling the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods (860-675-8130) or Hartford offices (860-424-3011).

Biologists and researchers in the U.S. and Canada are focusing on the fungus associated with WNS to determine if there are safe and effective ways to treat or control it, and most importantly, how to halt the spread of WNS across the U.S. and Canada.