Adopt the Small-footed Bat

The Small-footed Bat, Myotis leibii, is a cave bat species, hibernating in caves and other cavernous structures through the winter in our region. Historically, they were widely distributed across southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. The species occupies many locations but is rarely found in large numbers. Historically, its population has been difficult to estimate due to its scattered distribution, but recent data indicate that populations have remained relatively stable, with no significant impact from white-nose syndrome!

This bat's historical range extends from New England, southeastern Ontario, and southwestern Quebec, down to southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, and northwestern South Carolina.

Despite this broad range, the distribution is patchy, with the largest populations found in New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and western Virginia. Known hibernation sites are concentrated in states like Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

The most serious threat to bats in eastern North America is White-nose Syndrome. However, the small-footed bat has not experienced significant declines due to WNS.

Habitat loss from construction is another significant concern. The conversion of forested habitats to agriculture and residential areas has also decreased available habitat in many regions. However, these bats have adapted to use various non-natural roost sites, such as bridges! Other threats include habitat modifications from mining, construction, and vandalism.