What began as a routine wildlife rescue in Lancaster, Penn., quickly became far more serious when responders realized the tiny bat they had recovered was a northern long-eared bat, a critically endangered species.
The incident was a reminder that conservation efforts don't only apply to wilderness areas. Sometimes, they begin on a neighborhood porch when someone notices an animal in distress and calls for help.
Here's what to know
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center went to the Lancaster home expecting to handle a standard bat call. But as The Dodo reported, the bat had been stranded in an exposed spot for two days.
In a Facebook post, Raven Ridge said the animal "had been hanging 12 feet up on a porch in downtown Lancaster for the past two days." Raven Ridge emphasized the cause for concern, adding that "being exposed to the elements in one spot for that long constitutes an emergency."
Once the bat was safely taken down, rescuers saw that the animal was in rough shape. Raven Ridge said she "was found to be severely dehydrated and underweight at just six grams for this time of year."
Her identity was the next surprise. The wildlife center said, "[She] appeared different from the other bats we usually admit to our center," and added, "After sending photos for confirmation, it was determined that this was a northern long-eared bat."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
Raven Ridge wrote that northern long-eared bats are "critically endangered in North America due to a staggering 97% to 100% population collapse caused by white-nose syndrome."
The species has been classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since March 31, 2023, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service changed its status from threatened.
What's being done?
After stabilizing the bat at its facility, Raven Ridge Wildlife Center transferred her to Pennsylvania Bat Conservation and Rehabilitation. According to Raven Ridge, the organization "specializes in the research and rehabilitation of critically endangered bats," making it better equipped to support the animal's recovery.
As Raven Ridge put it, "[A]lthough this is just one small bat, it is crucial that it receives proper care and is placed with others of its species to enhance its chances of survival."
Where can I learn more?
This rescue is part of a broader story about bat conservation and species decline. These stories look at endangered bat recovery efforts, white-nose syndrome, and other pressures affecting bat survival.
• In Arizona, officials unveiled a new recovery plan for pollinating long-nosed bats.
• In Washington state, a deadly fungal disease wipes out bat colonies with consequences beyond caves.
• As bat populations fall, farmers face disturbing consequences for crops and pest control.
• In Europe, scientists tracking noctules found mind-boggling hibernation patterns linked to a warming climate.
• Around the world, bats are eating more ants in a surprising behavioral shift.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
