NRCS Conserves "Halloween Habitat" by Helping Bats in Montana

October 30, 2007

For More Information:
Jeff Combs, 406-587-6795

Bozeman--Do you want to know something really scary? Some species of bats, the unofficial Halloween mascot, are in decline. But the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is doing something to help these frightfully helpful creatures in Montana.

After the discovery of Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) in 2004, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe signed up for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program to construct bat-friendly gates for abandoned mines. “Gates in mines and caves are usually constructed to protect people from entering dangerous areas,” said Herb Webb, Tribal Conservationist in Pablo, Montana, “These bat-friendly gates keep people out but do not restrict the movement of bats, thus protecting their habitat.”

With NRCS assistance, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe’s Wildlife Management Project installed two bat gates in former copper mines on the Flathead Indian Reservation to help conserve the Townsend's big-eared bat. This Montana native species of bat is rare and populations are declining in the western U.S. They are listed as a Montana species of special concern.

Bats of all types are helpful to humans in many ways. They consume enormous amounts of insects daily. They eat the beetles, moths, and leafhoppers that cost landowners billions of dollars in damages each year. Some bats serve as pollinators, helping plants and food grow. Bats also inspire our imagination and serve as a great icon for Halloween.

For more information about bat conservation, please visit http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ecs/biology/bats.html

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