Differences in Fall Roost Use by Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and California Myotis (Myotis californicus) in the Washington Cascade Region
Michael E. Hansen1, *, Dana M. Sanchez1, and Tara Chestnut2
1Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. 2National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304.*Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research, Volume 4 (2026):1–16
Abstract
Little is known about the fall and winter ecology of Myotis in western North America. We radio-tracked Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and California Myotis (Myotis californicus) from August to December in Mount Rainier National Park, WA, USA. We identified 24 roosts used by Little Brown Myotis, 11 by California Myotis, and 3 used by both species. We observed movements up to 13.2 km for Little Brown Myotis and 1.4 km for California Myotis. Little Brown Myotis left study areas between October and December, likely moving to winter roosts. Bats left an all-male roost weeks later than bats from a maternity colony. California Myotis remained through mid-December, suggesting they over-wintered locally. California Myotis alternated between short (2–6 days) and long (12–20 days) durations of roost use and continued to use buildings and snags as roosts through the end of telemetry in mid-December.
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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, from Canada to Panama, 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.