Widespread Use of Rocky Outcrops by Hibernating Bats in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Levi E. Johnson1, Gregory G. Turner1, Michael R. Scafini1, Eman Anis2, and Joseph S. Johnson3,*
1Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, PA 17110. 2Department of Pathobiology, Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA 19348. 3School of Information Technology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219.*Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research, Volume 2 (2024): 1–15
Abstract
Bats commonly use subterranean environments for hibernation; however, few studies have investigated bat use of rocky outcrops for overwintering. We searched rocky outcrops from 15 December to 15 March, 2018–2021, and found 333 bats in 179 winter roosts. Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat) was found most often, but Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver-haired Bat), Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored bat), Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Myotis), and Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed Myotis) were also observed. Average winter temperatures of 8 roosts were similar to temperatures in randomly sampled rock features. Pseudogymnoascus destructans was not detected on any bats. Winter roosts of Eptesicus fuscus were higher above the ground, in areas with greater forest cover, and at lower elevations than random features. Bat use of rocky outcrops as hibernacula appears widespread, and we recommend further research into use of these habitats.
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Journal of North American Bat Research is valued by the academic, agency, NGO, and private-sector research community as a respected and trusted source for science related to all aspects of the biology, ecology, and conservation of bats, Order Chiroptera, and their habitats in North America, including Canada, Mexico, the USA, and the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles). Manuscripts based on studies outside this region that provide information on species within the region may be considered at the Editor’s discretion.