Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program Invites Public Participation

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory are asking residents to help locate bat roosts across the state. This effort is part of the Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program, which is now in its second year. The program collects information on where bats live during the summer, helping researchers better understand their habitats and behavior.

In its first year, the program received more than 130 reports from 52 counties. Most of these observations came from private properties, providing valuable data that researchers could not easily access otherwise. This information helps experts learn where bats rest, reproduce, and care for their young.

Nicolette Sexton, a research assistant with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, highlighted the importance of this effort. She said, "We didn't really know where they were spending their summers. Their summer habitat is really important. It's where they spend the summer, have their babies and raise their young."

Michigan is home to nine bat species, and five of them are listed as threatened or endangered. A major reason for their decline is white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that affects bats during hibernation. The disease causes bats to wake frequently, using up the fat reserves they need to survive winter. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2014, it has spread to all known winter roost sites.

Despite common misunderstandings about bats, they provide important environmental and agricultural benefits. They feed on insects, including mosquitoes and harmful crop pests. This natural pest control reduces the need for chemical pesticides and supports farming activities.

Residents are encouraged to report bat roosts found in barns, homes, bat boxes, trees, bridges, and other structures. Reports can include photos and details about the number of bats seen. People who have already submitted observations are also asked to provide updates and count bats as they leave roosts at sunset.

DNR bat specialist John DePue emphasized the importance of these efforts. He said, "Summer bat roosts are critical places where bats rest, raise pups and shelter during the season. By learning more about where bats are roosting, we can better support conservation and management efforts for these species."

This program shows how community participation can support wildlife conservation and strengthen environmental balance.

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