Bats on the Move

by Rita Dixon, Zoology Program Leader, Idaho Conservation Data Center, IDFG Spring and fall migrations typically are associated with waves of songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl, but numerous studies show that some bat populations also make seasonal migrations over hundreds of miles. In Idaho, all 14 bat species migrate either short distances of up to about 60 miles seasonally between breeding and hibernating roost sites, or in the case of the hoary bat and silver-haired bat, up to about 600 miles to spend the winter in the southern third of the United States, including California, Arizona or farther south. Bats leave their territory for one of two reasons. One is a seasonal lack of food. The second is lack of appropriate winter living quarters. Migration is risky and time-and energy-intensive. On the move, bats occupy many habitats controlled by a wide range of governments, communities and landowners. Because migration involves large numbers moving across extensive landscapes, it can have important population and community consequences. Evidence suggests that bats use visual landmarks to aid them in homing. Experience and practice seem to improve homing ability because young bats don't return to their home roosts as often as adults. Because of the energy demands of migration, and the inexperience of young bats, individuals can become dehydrated, weak, or disoriented and end up grounded or in unusual places. Bats are on the move right now in Idaho and occasionally get in trouble. If you find a bat, please don't handle it with your bare hands and don't try to rehabilitate it. Recommended guidelines can be found on the Bat World Sanctuary website at: http://www.batworld.org, or on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov You can also call a local wildlife rehabilitator for help. In the Boise area, call Animals in Distress Association at 208-367-1026. To find a local wildlife rehabilitator or bat worker, see http://www.batworld.org and click on Local Rescue or call Bat World Sanctuary at 940-325-3404 to find a Bat World rescue center or a bat rehabilitator. To learn more about bats or programs to help bats, please visit the Bat Conservation International Website at http://www.batcon.org/ or contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.