Spring is here and bats are returning to summer roost sites. One of our more familiar species in buildings and bat boxes is the Little Brown Myotis. Like all BC bats, the Little Brown Myotis is an essential part of our ecology, consuming many insect pests each night. Unfortunately, the Little Brown Myotis is now endangered in Canada. In fact, bats in BC suffer from many threats, and almost half of our 15 species are ‘at-risk’.
A simple way to support bats including the Little Brown Myotis and other bats is to participate in the BC Annual Bat Count this June. The BC Community Bat Program is requesting colony reports and volunteer assistance for this citizen-science initiative that encourages residents to count bats at local roost sites.
Bat counts are easy, fun, and safe, not to mention vital for monitoring bat populations. Wait outside a known roost site, such as a bat-box, barn, or attic, and count bats as they fly out at twilight. Ideally:
- 1 – 2 counts are done between June 1 and 21 before pups are born, and
- 1 – 2 more between July 11 and August 5 when pups are flying.
You can find detailed information on the Counting Bats page or email info@bcbats.ca.