Summary of 2016 Northern Long-eared Bat Research in Minnesota

Abstract

Crews from the USDA – Forest Service, University of Minnesota - Natural Resources Research Institute, Minnesota Army National Guard (MNARNG), and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources captured 646 bats throughout the forested region of Minnesota from June 6 – July 21, 2016. Bats of 8 species were captured during mist-netting surveys, including the first evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) confirmed in Minnesota. We captured 95 individuals of our target species, the northern long-eared bat, and attached transmitters to 45 adult females (39 reproductive, 6 non-reproductive or undetermined). These 45 bats were tracked to 111 unique roost trees of at least 20 species. Crews conducted emergence counts at roost trees and observed between 1-71 bats emerging. Roost trees varied in both DBH and height, as well as decay stage. The roosting patterns observed in 2016 were similar to those seen in 2015, where bats appear to be using a variety of available trees.