Vol. 29, No. 4 ● March 24, 2021
Spring Transitions - Bat Time of Year Restrictions
As we transition into warmer weather across Virginia and Maryland, bats in the area are emerging from their winter roosts as they transition to migration and breeding seasons. If your projects involve tree clearing, you may need to follow time of year restrictions for those bat species recognized as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Both Virginia and Maryland are home to varied species of bats, but tree clearing time of year restrictions differ depending on the status of the species. While most bat time of year restrictions begin June 1, the time of year restrictions for the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) begin April 1 for activities within 5.5 miles of known bat hibernaculum, and April 15 for areas outside of the 5.5-mile buffer.
Indiana Bat
(click to enlarge)
As a federally endangered species, the Indiana bat is afforded greater protection than other federally threatened or even state endangered species – so tree clearing near known hibernaculum or roosts is restricted for a longer period. If your project is within a county where the Indiana bat is known to hibernate or roost (see map), you must coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prior to clearing trees during any time of year.
Northern Long-Eared Bat TOYR
Both Virginia and Maryland are home to the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In January 2020 the U.S. District Court, District of Columbia issued a finding that will require the USFWS to re-list this bat species – which may ultimately change the time of year restrictions.
In Virginia, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website identifies the approximate location of known hibernacula and known maternity roost trees for the northern long-eared bat.
In Maryland, you must coordinate with the USFWS Chesapeake Field Office for any tree clearing in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
Little Brown Bat and Tri-Colored Bat TOYR
Both the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) are state-endangered in Virginia.
The Virginia DWR website identifies the approximate location of known hibernacula and known maternity roost trees for the little brown bat and tri-colored bat.
Neither species is state-endangered or subject to time of year restrictions in Maryland.
Need Help? Just light the Bat Signal!
Wetland Studies and Solutions can help you determine if your project is in an area where threatened or endangered bats are known to hibernate or roost, coordinate with Virginia and Maryland agencies, help plan your future projects around bat time of year restrictions, or develop a Conservation Plan – we can also perform a bat survey on your project site if required. For more information about any of our bat services, contact Ben Rosner or Bob Kerr for projects in Virginia, or Mike Klebasko for projects in Maryland.