The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking for the public’s input on a conservation plan for a federally and state-listed endangered subspecies of bat found in Western North Carolina. Found in caves on Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain in Avery and Watauga counties, the Virginia big-eared bat was federally listed as endangered in 1979 because of habitat loss, vandalism of caves and increased human visitation, according to the wildlife commission. This subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat, which tout 1-inch-long and ribbed ears, also take winter sanctuary in a small cave near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
These rare bats are “extremely sensitive” to human disturbance and face extinction because of habitat destruction and disturbances at cave roost sites in Avery, Watauga, Yancey counties, according to the Wildlife Commission.
Landowners with bat-used caves or mines can also participate in wildlife commission’s Conservation Easement, which provides federal tax benefits for those who donate conservation agreements on properties that protect natural habitats and preserve land for public outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
According to the wildlife commission, people may find the bats sleeping, or “roosting,” in old barns, houses or outbuildings in spring or summer. If you do see them, you should not touch them, just open a window so the bat can fly outside. If it is in an outbuilding, leave it alone.
The NCWRC’s plan to help grow the endangered bat’s population is viewable on its website.
Photo courtesy National Park Service
