Bats have been called the “Invisible Mammal” primarily because they fly silently and mostly at night. They also roost in dark places, caves or abandoned mines, making them hard to find even in the daylight. For humans, bats aren’t only hard to see, they are hard to understand, yet they play a vital role in our world’s ecosystems and an equally important roll in our agricultural economy. Yet 200 species of bats are nearing extinction. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at Bat Conservation International, to learn more about what is threatening bat populations around Lake Superior.

5 Key Takeaways

Bats Are More Diverse — And Longer-Lived — Than Most People Realize

Winifred Frick notes that bats are “the only mammals that can fly,” and that scientists have “just celebrated the discovery of the 1,500 bat species.” In the U.S. and Canada, she says there are “about 47 different bat species.”

White-Nose Syndrome Has Devastated Bats Around Lake Superior

Frick explains that white-nose syndrome is caused by a fungal pathogen — Pseudogymnoascus destructans (“PD”) — and says it “first emerged…in the winter of 2006, 2007.” She adds that it “has killed millions of bats in its wake” and highlights a “99% decline” in the northern long-eared bat population.

The Fungus Spreads Through Hibernation Sites — Not Just Bat-to-Bat Contact

Frick describes how the fungus grows on bats’ skin (including wings, ears, and muzzle) and can also persist on cave and mine surfaces. She explains bats can pick it up “either by coming in contact with each other” or by contacting “the surfaces where they roost.”

“Fat Bat Project” — A Practical Experiment To Help Bats Survive

Frick explains how white-nose causes bats to burn through fat reserves by arousing too often during hibernation, leading them to “starve to death before spring.” In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, her team tested using UV lights near mines (including near the Delaware Mine area) to attract insects and boost foraging — what Frick calls “our fat bat project.”

You Can Help Bats By Supporting Habitat, Native Insects, And Conservation Work

Frick points to Bat Conservation International’s “bat gardens program,” encouraging people to plant native plants that support moths and beetles. She also emphasizes advocating for nature protection and supporting organizations funding bat research and conservation actions.

Helpful Links:

Bat Conservation International - batcon.org  

The Invisible Mammal Film - doclands.com/film/the-invisible-mammal 

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