With Bat Week underway (Oct. 24-31), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar is urging outdoor enthusiasts to avoid caves and mines during the fall and winter months. This is a critical time for bats, as they hibernate in these underground cavities to escape the cold. Human disturbance, even a quiet visit, can be detrimental, especially for bats already grappling with the deadly white-nose syndrome fungus.

"Bats play a crucial role in our environment, pollinating many commercially and locally important fruit species," stated Interim Commissioner Mahar. He emphasized the importance of bats in controlling insect populations and mitigating forest and agricultural pests.

Nine bat species call New York home, six of which are cave bats, relying on these underground spaces for hibernation. The remaining three species, tree bats, migrate to warmer climates. All bats need to fatten up for the winter, consuming large amounts of insects each night. This period, known as the fall swarm, also sees bats congregating to mate, making their hibernation sites even more vital.

White-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease, has decimated bat populations, killing over 90 percent of hibernating bats in New York. While some recovery signs have been observed in the little brown bat, other species, like the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, are still struggling. The northern long-eared bat population, in particular, has been reduced to a mere 1 percent of its former size, making it the most severely affected by the disease.

The DEC reminds the public that disturbing bats during hibernation is illegal and can result in fines. If you come across hibernating bats, the best course of action is to leave quickly and quietly.

To help bats, the DEC suggests planting pollinator-friendly gardens, providing bat boxes for summer roosting, and consulting with certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators for safe bat removal from homes.