Why is the Virginia Big Eared Bat Endangered?

Posted on October 6, 2022 by virginia

The Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a subspecies of the Big-Eared bat, which is found in North America. The Virginia big-eared bat is found in only four states in the United States: Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Virginia big-eared bat is a small bat, with a wingspan of only 8-10 inches. The body of this bat is brown or gray in color, with lighter fur on the underside. The ears of this bat are large and triangle-shaped, and the nose is long and narrow. This bat roosts in tree cavities, buildings, or other sheltered areas during the day. At night, it emerges to hunt for insects. The Virginia big-eared bat uses echolocation to navigate and find its prey.

The Virginia big-eared bat is an important species in its ecosystem. It plays a role in controlling the insect population, and it is also a food source for other animals such as owls and snakes. The biggest threat to the Virginia big-eared bat is habitat loss. This bat requires specific types of habitats in order to survive, and this habitat is being destroyed by development and other human activities. If this trend continues, the Virginia big-eared bat will likely become extinct. This is even more concerning due to the fact that the Virginia Big-Eared bat is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, including why its species is endangered and what we can do to protect local bat populations for the sake of our surrounding Eco-systems.

The Endangered Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big Eared Bat is an endangered species, and this is a problem for a few reasons. First, these bats are important for the ecosystem because they help control insect populations. Second, as a top predator in the food chain, the Virginia Big Eared Bat provides valuable nutrients to other animals further down the food chain Third, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its populations have a large impact on the health of the ecosystem as a whole. Finally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

Endangerment Status

There are many reasons why the Virginia Big Eared Bat is endangered. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to these bats, as their natural roosting and foraging areas are being destroyed by development. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is threatened by white-nose syndrome, a disease that has decimated bat populations across North America. Climate change is also a major threat to these bats, as it is changing the timing of their migration patterns and making their habitat less hospitable.

The loss of the Virginia Big Eared Bat would have a devastating impact on the ecosystem. These bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, and their loss would likely lead to an increase in insect-borne diseases. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its loss would have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. The Virginia Big Eared Bat is also an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

The Importance of Bat Conservation Efforts

We must do everything we can to save the Virginia Big Eared Bat. We need to protect their habitat and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also need to raise awareness about the importance of these bats and the dangers they face. Only by working together can we hope to save this important species.

If you are dealing with nuisance bats around your Virginia home or business, enlist the services of a licensed and insured bat removal and control company for safe and humane handling of these precious critters.

Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for fast and affordable bat removal services in Richmond, VA and its surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The 4 Federally Endangered Bats in Virginia

Posted on April 28, 2022 by virginia

There are several species of bat that are common to the Virginia state, from Little Brown bats and Big Brown bats to Northern Long-Eared bats, Hoary bats, Townsend’s Big-Eared bats, Eastern Red bats, Eastern Small-footed bats, Seminole bats, American Long-Eared bats, and many more. Of the 15 total bat species in Virginia, sadly, 4 are listed as Federally-protected or threatened.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered bats of Virginia, and reasons why their species are in decline.

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Endangered Bat Species in Virginia

Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

The Virginia big-eared bat was officially made our state bat 14 years ago. They range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for their conservation status, the Virginia big-eared bat was categorized as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1979. This makes it strictly-protected under state and federal law. In better news, a recent report provided by a Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study estimated that a 77% increase in their populations took place between 1983 and 2009.

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

The Gray bat was categorized as both federally and state-endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976. When initially placed on the endangered species list, there were an estimated 2 million Gray bats. Happily, through continuous and successful conservation efforts, they are now estimated to be around 2.3 million and counting.

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats look so similar to our state bat, that they are often confused for one another! Sadly, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats are a state endangered bat and currently on the conservation list. The loss and degradation of their natural habitats is a top cause of the declining Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat population.

Indiana Bat (Myotis solidalis)

The Indiana bat is a federally-protected, endangered species of bat. Sadly, there are less than 300,000 Indiana bats remaining in the United States today. During summer months, they roost in tree cavities and underneath dark bridges; but when winter arrives, Indiana bats start looking for warmer shelter, such as limestone caves, abandoned buildings, mines, and more.

Are you having problems with bats in the attic or chimney? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control services at the right price. We serve all of Virginia, including Roanoke, Midlothian, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, and more.

Which Bats are Most Common in the Western Parts of Virginia?

Posted on March 31, 2020 by virginia

Here in Virginia, our state is home to many species of bats. In fact, we are home to the famous, Virginia Big-Eared Bat, which was officially appointed the prestigious title of our state bat more than 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day.

But when it comes to the Western parts of the state, bats are more abundant since the border is near so many cave systems and dense forests. From Roanoke to the West side border, a long list of bats can be spotted, including native species, federally-endangered species, and even just the occasional visitors.

Continue reading to learn more about them all!

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Bat Species in Western Areas of Virginia

The Western parts of Virginia are known for their beautiful and abundant cavernous systems, making it no surprise that many bat species live in the region. Some of the most common bats found in Western parts of the state include Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and of course, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. But there are plenty more fascinating bat species that are spotted in West VA caves, forests, riverbanks, and even abandoned mines!

Virginia Big-Eared Bats

Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels vital to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory or beech-maple-hemlock forests.

Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats

Little Brown bats (Myotis Lucifugus) and Big Brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are often confused for one another because they live in the same areas and look very similar. See our previous blog, “The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat” to learn all the interesting facts about these two incredible species, and what sets them apart.

Endangered Species

There are 3 particular species of bat in Virginia that are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered. All of them are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act strictly prohibits anyone from attempting to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct” with any endangered or threatened species of wildlife, including bats. The bats that are on this list include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (State Endangered; also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).

Occasional Visitors:

? Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)
? Seminole Bats (Lasiurus seminolus)
? Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control assistance you can trust. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Roanoke, Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and more. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

How Many Bats are Endangered?

Posted on June 11, 2019 by virginia

Bats are wonderful contributors to our surrounding Eco-systems, and even our very own local economies. For this reason, it is a sad truth that bats are not as safe as we wish them to be on this planet. There are several dangers that threaten various bat species all across the world, some of which are caused by mankind, and others that are virtually out of our control.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered and threatened bat species around the world, and what you can do to support local bat populations in your town.

Threatened Bats

Threatened bats are not technically endangered, but still at risk. “Threatened” means that the bat population numbers are at a steady decline, putting the species closer to being listed as endangered. You see, bats typically give birth to only 1 pup, per year, so population growth rates are slower than most other flying species. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 104 threatened bat species around the world.

Endangered Bats

Endangered bats are those that have reached seriously low population numbers and at risk of extinction. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 53 endangered bat species around the globe. Some species of bat listed as endangered include the Giant golden-crowned flying fox, Greater long-nosed bat, Indiana bat, Livingstone’s fruit bat, Gray bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, Lesser long-nosed bat, Northern long-eared Myotis, and our very own Virginia Big-Eared bat.

Critically Endangered Bats

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 bat species listed as “Critically Endangered.” Critically endangered bats are at risk of imminent, or forthcoming, extinction. It is similar to being listed as a terminally ill patient at a hospital. Although there is hope for a comeback, history tells us that extinction will be close, at some point in time. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn about the 3 species of bat that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

How to Support Local Bats

You can do your part to support the local bat populations around your community without putting your property at risk of structural damage or safety hazards. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to get started.

How to Safely Manage Nuisance Bats

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia

Posted on April 15, 2019 by virginia

Here in Virginia, there are 16 known bat-species. Of these numbers, 3 in particular are listed as Federally-endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and therefore, protected under the Endangered Species Act. Continue reading to learn more about this species, and what you can do to help support their preservation.

The Endangered Species Act

The 3 Federally-endangered species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act include the Gray Bat, Indiana bat, and the Virginia Big-Eared bat. Under this act, it is a Federal offense (also known as a felony) to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct” any endangered or threatened species. This citation comes straight from the Endangered Species Act. Read our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn about the laws that govern non-endangered bats. For now, here is a brief explanation of each Federally-endangered bat species found here in Virginia:

Gray Bat

The Gray bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Myotis grisescens, is derived from their genus (Myotis), and species (M. grisescens). Since 1976, they have also listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When initially placed on the list, there were an estimated 2 million; and through successful conservation efforts, they are now estimated to be around 2.3 million and counting.

Indiana Bat

The Gray bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Myotis sodalis, is derived from their genus (Myotis), and species (M. sodalis). Although this species was initially added to the list in 1967, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, decline rates of these populations have been estimated to be more than 50% over the past 10 years. They are also protected by the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act.

Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, is derived from their genus (Corynorhinus), species (C. townsendii), and subspecies (C. t. virginianus). As evident in their scientific classification, this species is one of two endangered subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat. Read our blog, “Get to Know Our State Bat” to learn details about their range, habitat, diet, and more.

In Virginia, the Rafinesque Big-eared Bat (also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat) is state-endangered. We will discuss this more in our next blog, so be sure to check back soon!

Bat Threats

Right now, the biggest threat to these endangered bat populations is a fatal disease known as White Nose Syndrome. Read our blog, “Facts About White-Nose Syndrome and Bats” to learn more. Aside from this disease, additional threats include over-development of land, wildlife habitat destruction, and illegal hunting. There are many reasons to support local bat populations, regardless if they are endangered or not. That is because bats provide us with so many advantages. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how you can do your part to encourage bat conservation.

Where to Get Licensed Bat Removal in Virginia

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.