Summary of Bat Research in Hill River/Savanna, and Solana State Forests, MN 2016

Abstract

Crews from the USDA – Forest Service captured 53 bats in Hill River, Savanna, and Solana State Forests from June 13th–16th and July 11th–14th, 2016. Bats of 6 species were captured during mist-netting surveys. We captured 13 individuals of our target species, the northern long-eared bat, and attached transmitters to 3 pregnant females (two in Hill River State Forest, and one in Solana State Forest). These three bats were tracked to 6 unique roost trees of three species. During emergence counts we counted from 13 to 67 bats emerging from these roost trees. Roosts varied in both DBH and height as well as decay stage. The roosting patterns we observed at Hill River, Savanna, and Solana State Forests were similar to roosting patterns we have observed in other areas of Minnesota, where bats appear to be using a variety of available trees. This report details work done in Hill River, Savanna, and Solana State Forests as part of a statewide study of northern long-eared bats. A report summarizing results of the statewide project will be available in early 2017.