The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging residents to avoid entering caves and mines during the fall and winter to help protect bat populations during Bat Week, which takes place from October 24 to 31. The annual event aims to raise awareness about the ecological importance of bats and the threats they face.
“During Bat Week, DEC is highlighting the important role bats play in our environment and natural ecosystem and that we all should do what we can to help protect New York’s at-risk bat populations while they’re hibernating in caves and mines,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Disturbing bats from their hibernation patterns can cause unnecessary harm to their systems and recovery. When outdoors this time of year, please do not venture into caves and move away quietly to ensure bats can remain in their natural hibernation patterns.”
Bats in New York serve a key function in controlling insect populations, reducing the need for pesticides and limiting the spread of invasive insects. There are nine bat species in the state, six of which hibernate in caves and mines, while three migrate to warmer regions. Bats build up fat reserves in the fall by consuming large quantities of insects, a process essential for surviving winter hibernation or migration.
Human disturbance during the bats’ hibernation period can be particularly harmful. When bats are awakened, they use up vital fat reserves needed to survive until spring. The DEC warns that repeated disturbances reduce their chances of surviving the winter.
Bat populations in New York have suffered significant declines since the arrival of white-nose syndrome in 2007, a fungal disease that has killed more than 90 percent of bats at some hibernation sites. However, there are signs that the little brown bat population may be stabilizing, though other species remain at risk.
The DEC advises following all posted restrictions on cave and mine access. Entering bat hibernation sites between October 1 and April 30 may result in prosecution. The agency also recommends several ways for the public to support bat conservation: limiting tree removal to winter months to avoid disrupting maternity colonies, planting pollinator gardens to increase insect prey, installing bat boxes for safe roosting, and contacting certified professionals for safe bat removal from homes.
More information about bat conservation and protected species such as the Indiana bat and Northern long-eared bat is available on the DEC’s website.
