Bats play an important role in our ecosystem. Between 15 and 20 species of bats are regularly found in the eastern U.S., with a few other species showing up occasionally. All of the bats that live in the eastern U.S. are insectivores which means they eat insects. In other parts of the country and world, bats can be pollinators or can eat other animals such as fish or scorpions.
Many species of bats are endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. Threats to bats include diseases such as white-nose syndrome, habitat destruction, and even things like windfarms. One thing that you can do to help bats is to install a bat house to provide safe roosting habitat.
Bat Conservation International is a non-profit organization focused on bats and bat research. They have done a lot of research on the best places and ways to install bat houses, the best colors to paint bat houses, etc. I encourage you to check out their educational resources on building and locating bat houses to help attract these highly beneficial, nocturnal animals to your property.
This article was part of Shannon’s original Kentucky Pollinators and Backyard Wildlife blog which evolved into the blog for Backyard Ecology.
Backyard Ecology: Exploring Nature in Your Backyard
Nature isn’t just “out there.” It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli, and I am the host of Backyard Ecology. I live in southcentral Kentucky and am a wildlife biologist, educator, author, beekeeper, and owner of a nursery specializing in plants for pollinators and wildlife conservation. I invite you to join me as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat. Learn more or subscribe to my email list at www.backyardecology.net.
