Summary of Bat Research in Cloquet Forestry Center, MN 2016

Abstract

Crews from the United States Forest Service and University of Minnesota – Natural Research Institute captured 28 bats at Cloquet Forestry Center from June 6th – 10th, 2016. Bats of three species were captured during mist-netting surveys. We captured 10 individuals of our target species, the northern long-eared bat, and attached transmitters to 4 adult females. These four were tracked to 7 unique roost trees of 2 species and 1 Cloquet Forestry Center building. During emergence counts we counted from 1 to 23 bats emerging from the roost trees. We observed 64 bats emerging during an emergence count at the building. Roost trees varied in diameter and height, as well as decay stage. The roosting patterns observed at Cloquet Forestry Center 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 Cloquet Forestry Center 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.