Why is the Virginia Big Eared Bat Endangered?

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.

Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097

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.

Related Posts:

How Do-It-Yourself Bat Removal Can Lead to a 50 Thousand Dollar Fine
Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia
How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies

Interesting Facts About the State Bat of Virginia

Here in Virginia, we are proud to be represented by a wonderful and vital bat species known as the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. Continue reading to learn some interesting and inspirational facts about our official state bat, including what you can do to support the local bat colonies in Old Dominion without putting your property at risk.

Bat Control Company Virginia
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat is scientifically referred to as Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, as it is part of the Vespertilionidae family of the animal kingdom. They are a cave-dwelling bat, but will also choose abandoned mines, hollow trees, and deep rock crevices along river banks as their roost.  Although found in found in some other states, such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and even West Virginia, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is Virginia’s official state bat. Their populations are most dense in the Western parts of the state.

Our state is one of the only ones to have designated a state bat. Two other states also have official state bats. Oklahoma and Texas also have a state bat, which happens to be the same species, the Mexican Free-Tailed bat! Proposed by Virginia Delegate, Jackie Stump, and later added as a law, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat became the official state bat of Virginia as recently as 2005! It is unfortunately on the Endangered Species list

Since the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is an endangered species, there are laws legislated by the Endangered Species Act that protect Virginia Big-Eared Bats against wrongful acts of harm or tampering. Violating such laws is a crime under Virginia state law. In fact, they are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can render jail time up to a year and a fine of $2,500.

Federal violations of the Endangered Species Act are even more severe. Those charged will face with the $50,000 fine and up to a year of imprisonment. Those who threaten the species are subject to a $25,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonments. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn more about this topic, including how to protect yourself from unintentionally committing a crime against endangered bats.

If Bats Become a Nuisance on Your Property

All bats are vital parts of the surrounding ecosystem and highly beneficial to our local economies, but sometimes, they can be a nuisance. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Wish to help the local bat populations, but don’t want to jeopardize your home or loved ones? See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to achieve your goal.

Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about safe and humane Virginia bat control solutions. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

How Many Bats Have Rabies?

In our last blog, When Should a Bat Be Captured and Tested for Rabies?, you learned a little about the threat of a fatal virus called Rabies. However, there are several misconceptions regarding the Rabies virus and its impact on our local bat populations. Fortunately, there is more than enough data to help us clear up the confusion surrounding the spread of this deadly disease. If you live near forests, woods, or large bodies of water, or work in an environment where bat exposure is possible, you may be very interested in learning the truth.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rabies virus, including how much of the bat population is actually affected, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from threat.

Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097

The Rabies Virus

Let’s start this discussion by reviewing what Rabies actually is, medically and biologically speaking. You see, Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. It is caused by Lyssavirus, which is a genus of RNA viruses, and transmitted by the blood or saliva of a host or infected animal.

Symptoms are often an onset of several reactions to the virus, initially including headache, fever, and a tingling sensation at the infection site, and eventually maturing into violent movements, loss of muscle control, aggression, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, death will soon follow.

Rabid Animals

The natural hosts for the Rabies virus are mammals and vertebrates, which are referred to as rabies vector species. This means that any mammal, including humans, can be carriers and transmitters of the disease. One of the most common animals that are given the stigma of rabies are bats. But the truth is, less than half of 1% of all bats in the world actually carry rabies (batworld.org). However, there is still a need for caution.

You should treat every bat as if it is a carrier by simply keeping your distance. Bats are protected by law, and serve a vital ecological and economical importance to our society, so it is important to never attempt to touch, harm, trap, or kill bats. Instead, admire them from afar, and if they become a nuisance to your property, enlist the help of a licensed Virginia bat control company for safe and humane service.

Rabies Prevention

Although once contracted Rabies is 100% fatal, it is also 100% preventable. First and foremost, be sure to have your pets vaccinated on an annual basis for the Rabies virus. Next, be sure to have yourself vaccinated if you work, live, or frequent places that put you at a higher risk of rabid animal exposure, such as zoo workers, vet clinic staff, spelunkers, miners, lumberjacks, animal control workers, wilderness jobs, and more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

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.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control