Here at Atlantic Hyundai, we share our parent company’s sentiments about keeping an eco-conscious mindset. So we’re thrilled to celebrate “International Bat Night” today with a list of great ways you can get involved in conservation efforts. Learn more about local bat species, where to see them, and how to help keep them safe! And as an added bonus, we’ve got some great bat-themed car gear for the nature enthusiasts in our midst.
Click here to learn about the habits of the Bats of New York
Click here to learn about the Bats of Central Park
New York State is home to 6 varieties of Cave Bats and 3 types of tree dwelling bats.
Cave Dwelling Bats
Big Brown Bats - These bats are 3x the weight of Little Brown Bats, and boast a 13 inch wingspan! Their large size helps differentiate them from other brown bats, along with their varied glossy light to dark brown fur. You’ll find them near cave and mine entrances, as well as hiding out in/around buildings.
Indiana Bats - These small bats live in colony clusters in caves, and their close dwelling habits make them highly prone to die-off from human disturbances and white-nose syndrome. It is common to find 300 to 400 bats roosting together in just one square foot of space. About half of the Indiana Bat population roosts in one singular NY State mine during the winter.
Eastern Pipistelle - Also known as a tri-colored bat, they have reddish forearms, and their body fur ranges from black to yellow to orange to brown at the edges. These bats use their tail and wing membranes to capture their prey by forming a little pouch to grab them. Their wings have rust brown and dark brown features.
Little Brown Bats - These bats have dark brown fur all over their backs and their upper bodies, with lighter grey-brown fur on their bellies and underside. It has sharp teeth for catching insects, and dark brown-black wings. It is the most commonly seen bat in the area.
Northern Long Eared Bats - This particular variety of bat is protected by both federal and NYS endangered species laws. Sadly, the population is down to an alarming 1% of its previous population. They’re extremely prone to white-nose syndrome. These bats have long golden brown to dark brown fur, large black ears, and a black-brown face mask and wings.
Small Footed Bat - This teeny, tiny bat is the lightest of its cave dwelling pals. It has a rust-colored, long brown fur all over its body with a very dark black face, ears, and wings. These bats roost primarily in two Adirondack mines, but can also be found in rock clusters, cliff faces, and bridges.
Tree Dwelling Bats
Hoary Bat - These bats are the largest in New York STate with a 16 inch wingspan. They roost in branches of trees in coniferous forests, and prefer to choose trees along lakes and open fields where they hunt for moths. They can commonly be found in the Adirondacks. They have grey-brown fur and brown face mask and ears, and black wing membranes tinged with tan fur and reddish-brown veining and wing tips.
Red Bat - These bats live in trees year round, and are very colourful reddish orange bats. The males are the most vibrant red-orange, and females are more muted greyish red/greyish orange. These bats can be found in areas with lots of moths, beetles, and flies. They have furry tail membranes , and black-brown wings with red veining.
Silver Haired Bat - This bat prefers hiding in tree cavities as opposed to canopies or branches, and loves to roost underneath peeling park. These bats are slower than their other tree dwelling counterparts, but are adept at maneuvering during flying to catch their pray. They are covered in deep black-brown fur with silver tips, and have a black wingspan with pinkish red veining and tips. Their face mask and ears are the same deep brown color as their fur.
What do you do if you find a bat?
DO NOT handle bats with your bare hands or exposed skin. These species are highly prone to zoological diseases such as rabies, and they are one of the most common rabies-transmission species from animal to animal or animal to human. It is preferable to call environmental officers, local police, or wildlife/animal control for safe, harmless removal of these creatures.
Avoid handling these animals if you can. You should only attempt rescue on your own if no other facilities are open, and the animal needs immediate attention and help. This should only be done while wearing long sleeves and thick gloves to protect your flesh from scratches and bites and licks from the injured, sick, or frightened bat.
If a bat is in your home, make sure you open all doors and windows which lead to the outside. Blockade the other areas of your house such as interior doors and small spaces like closets/attics/basements. Turn out your lights, find a quiet activity to do while you patiently wait, and let the bat find its way out of your home. If the bat does not leave after a few hours, you’ll want to call the Local Animal Control office for your area. DO NOT attempt to remove the bat on your own.
If you find a bat outside and lying on the ground, do not touch it with your hands. For the safety of you and the bat, use cloth or paper to shuffle the animal into a ventilated box or containment receptacle. Place a soft cloth inside for the bat’s safety and comfort. Place the bat off somewhere quiet and dark, and out of reach of small children and other animals. Immediately phone in your local animal control or reach out to any local wildlife rehab programs which cater to bats.
BAT THEMED CAR ACCESSORIES
Bat Steering Wheel Fabric Cover
