PENNSYLVANIA BATS
INDIANA BATS
In Pennsylvania, the Indiana bat is listed as endangered and protected under the state Game and Wildlife Code. It also is a “priority species” in the state’s Wildlife Action Plan. Nationally, it has been listed as an endangered species since March 1967. As a listed species, Indiana bat habitat has specific regulations designed to protect the species and prevent takings.
Loggers in Pennsylvania must implement several measures to protect Indiana Bats, which include avoiding tree removal during the bats’ roosting season, typically from April 1 to September 30, to prevent disturbing their habitat. They must conduct surveys to identify potential roosting sites and retain large, dead trees or snags that serve as important roosting habitats. Additionally, they are required to maintain forested corridors to facilitate bat movement and connectivity between habitats and adhere to guidelines set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME (WNS) AND CAVE DWELLING BATS
Cave dwelling bats across the eastern United States are being impacted by white-nose syndrome. WNS was first discovered in New York in 2006 and was found in PA in 2008. The fungus has quickly spread since then causing an ecological crisis. The affliction disturbs the bats during hibernation, causing them to become active in winter, where they die of elements and starvation. There is no cure for the fungus that causes WNS.
It should be noted that there is no research to suggest that forestry and timbering activities are linked to white nose syndrome (WNS) and habitat is not a limiting factor with the recent declines in populations.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- PA Game Commission White Nose Syndrome Information Page
- WhiteNoseSyndrome.org
- PGC Wildlife Note – Bats (Little Brown, Indiana, Northern Long Eared, Eastern Pipistrelle)
- The Race to Save Pennsylvania’s Bats [Video]
- Forest Management and Bats [Landowner Guide]
TIMELINE - RECENT LISTINGS OF CAVE DWELLING BATS IN PA
The PA Game Commission (PGC) published notice in August 2012, seeking input on listing three bat species as endangered in the state. The PGC notice specifically included notice of restrictions on timber harvesting and other tree removals, as part of the proposed bat protection efforts. With negative feedback, the PGC decided in October 2012 that it would not immediately proceed with draft regulatory changes and listing of the three species.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) took up consideration of listing the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) specifically as a federally threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). On May 4th, 2015 the USFWS listed the NLEB as threatened with an interim 4(d) rule that limits the impact of the listing on timber harvesting. The final 4(d) rule was published on January 14, 2016.
- Refer to the Summer 2013 issue of the PA SFI Newsletter for the latest update on PA Game Commission
- Refer to the Summer 2014 issue of the PA SFI Newsletter for the latest update on the USFWS potential listing of the northern long-eared bat
- April 4, 2015 – USFWS Protects Northern Long-eared Bat as Threatened Species under Endangered Species Act with Interim 4(d) Rule
- January 14, 2016 – USFWS issues final 4(d) Rule
On January 29, the state Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a measure that updates the state’s list of threatened and endangered species, providing three cave bat species additional protection by reclassifying them as state endangered species.
- January 29, 2019 – Game Commission Board Approves Additional Protection For 3 Cave Bat Species
On March 23, 2022 the USFWS proposed to reclassify the NLEB as Endangered – an action that took place on November 29,2022. On September 13, 2022 the USFWS proposed listing the tricolored bat as endangered under the ESA, primarily due to WNS.
- March 23, 2022 – USFWS Proposes to Reclassify the Northern Long-Eared Bat as Endangered
- September 13, 2022 – USFWS proposes to list the tricolored bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act
- November 29,2022 – Northern long-eared bat reclassified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act
- January 25, 2023 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extends effective date to reclassify northern long-eared bat as endangered
