Critter Detective: Endangered Bats of Ohio

Officials taking action to help protect them

The Indiana Bat is one the many varieties of bat species that call Ohio home. They have been endangered since 1967 due to many different reasons. Human disturbance, disease and more urbanization have all caused bat numbers to drop drastically over the last few decades. The Indiana bat is very important to keep the ecosystem (and insect populations) in control and working properly.

The governor of Ohio took action to help preserve the states bat populations last October. He proclaimed the final week of the month of October to be bat week to raise awareness about the need for conservation. Bat populations have been declining in Ohio and all over the United States due to more development, disease and harmful effects of pesticides. There are around 10 different varieties of bats that are found in Ohio and they are crucial to the ecosystem.

For more information on bat removal, check out Critter Detective.

More Insects In Ohio? Save The Indiana Bat!

Indiana bats have been endangered since 1967. They have been rapidly dying for many reasons. The scientific name of the Indiana bat is Myotis sodalis. Myotis means “mouse ear.” The Indiana bat has small, mouse-like ears.

Human disturbance of caves that bats use for winter hibernating is the first reason they have been dying.

During hibernation, they cluster in groups of up to 500 per square foot. Learn more

Summary: The Indiana Bat is one the many varieties of bat species that call Ohio home. They have been endangered since 1967.

Gov. DeWine named last week of October 'Bat Week'

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine proclaimed Oct. 24-31 of 2019 as Bat Week to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation.

The bat populations in Ohio are declining because of a combination of threats from disease, land development and contamination from pesticides.

There are at least 10 species commonly found in Ohio. Two species, Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats, are federally listed as endangered. The remaining are protected under state law. Read more

Summary: The governor of Ohio took action to help preserve the states bat populations last October. He proclaimed the final week of the month of October to be bat week to raise awareness about the need for conservation.