Endangered in NC: The Gray Bat
(Myotis Grisescens)
Where is the Gray Bat Located?
The Gray Bat can be found in the US states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. In North Carolina, it can be found in the mountains region.
Why are they in Danger?
- Their habit of living in very large numbers in only a few caves, which makes them extremely vulnerable to disturbance
- Floods can destroy their habitat
- Any place in their cave that alters the air flow, temperature, humidity, or amount of light is harmful
What is Being Done?
- The Gray Bat was added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on April 28, 1976
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a recovery plan that describes actions needed to help the bat survive
- A variety of government and private conservation agencies are all working to preserve gray bats and their caves