Little Brown Bat
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As the name implies the fur of the Little Brown Bat is shade of brown with the top being darker than the underside. They also have a darker spot in the area of the shoulder. The wings and uropatigium are absent of hair.
Status in North Dakota
Seasonal as no known hibernacula have been identified.
Range Map
Little Brown Bat primary range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Although common in North Dakota species is threatened by a fungal disease known as White-nose Syndrome throughout its range.
Threats
White-nose Syndrome is a significant threat to this species.
North Dakota bat species are insectivores.
The use of pesticides in the vicinity of a feeding ground would affect bat populations by killing prey.
Also, bat species are known to store pesticides within fat reserves.
Wind turbines have been identified as a source of mortality to bats.
Indiscriminate killing due to a negative public perception has been identified as a possible threat to this species.
Research and Monitoring
- Bat species are monitored acoustically using North American Bat monitoring protocol.
- Bats are also monitored with mist nets by a number of partners in the state.
Management Recommendations
- Protection and restoration of riparian habitat.
- Manage riparian habitats to maintain snags, connecting corridors, and edges.
- Maintain and improve seeps, ponds, and other wet areas as water sources.
- Education on the benefits and misconceptions about bats.
- Determine and protect nursery and hibernation sites.
- Provide roosting sites in areas where natural sites have been destroyed or disturbed.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Roosts are established in structures in the summer months but also can be found in dead trees.
Forages on a variety of flying insects, up to the equivalent of 1,200 mosquitos per hour.