Endangered - Gray and Indiana Bats

Even though there are no records for either species on the refuge the Indiana and gray bats it is likely that they periodically occur on the refuge. Due to the lack of surveys the occurrence of these bats on the refuge is only speculation. The refuge is well within the ranges of these species and has suitable foraging habitat for transients moving through the area. There are no known caves on the refuge but there are caves within close proximity of the refuge. Baugaus Cave, the closest known cave, is about 2.5 miles north of the Busseltown Unit and has a 1970 record for the gray bat. The forested areas of the refuge contain suitable summer maternity habitat for Indiana bats.  

Interesting Facts

• One bat can eat between 600 and 1,000 mosquitoes and other insect pests in just one hour.

 

• A common misconception is that bats are blind. Although they can’t see color, bats can see better than we do at night ( University of California at Berkeley). Many bats can navigate in the dark by using echolocation.