WBTV Studio — CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - The rare Virginia big-eared bats are endangered and there are some things we as a community can do to protect them.
According to Kendrick Weeks, diversity supervisor with North Carolina Wildlife, this bat species only occurs in two counties in the western part of N.C. and in five U.S. states. They are about three to four inches long with a wingspan of 11 to 12 inches. They’re particularly known for their large ears.
Weeks said so far, they suspect about 500 Virginia big-eared bats are living in the state. They were first discovered hibernating in a cave on Grandfather Mountain in 1981. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that researchers from Indiana State University found the bats’ only known maternity roost, a cave inhabited by bats during the active season.
As Virginia big-eared bats are especially vulnerable during that time, N.C. Wildlife appeals to the community to refrain from disturbing them and contact the Wildlife Commission if they find bats in their buildings or basements.
NC Wildlife developed several species conservation plans to protect populations of federally and state-endangered species like the Virginia big-eared bats.
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Weeks is convinced that they are worth protecting not only because they help with insect control but most importantly because they are a great part of natural heritage.
For more information on current and upcoming species conservation plans, visit N.C. Wildlife’s website.
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