Adopt the Silver-haired Bat

The Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) is known for its distinctive black to dark brown fur tipped with silver or gray. This species is one of our tree bats, migrating to warmer temperatures during the winter in our region, exposing them to various threats along their journey.

Silver-haired bats primarily reside in forested regions, utilizing trees for roosting. They are often found in dense forests where they can find shelter in tree cavities or under loose bark. The population is believed to be large, but exact trends are uncertain, with concerns about a possible decline due to several environmental threats.

Logging, clearcutting, and certain forest management practices have reduced the availability of suitable roosting sites. The loss of mature forests and snags (dead or dying standing trees) decreases habitat quality, impacting the bats’ ability to find shelter.

A reduction in insect populations due to pesticide use and environmental pollution affects the bats’ food supply. Pesticides may also directly harm the bats, although the full extent of these effects is not yet well understood.

During their seasonal migration, silver-haired bats face increased risks from habitat loss and environmental hazards along their routes, further complicating their survival prospects.