What’s next for the long-eared bat?

Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held a public comment period on a proposal to grant the northern long-eared bats protections under the Endangered Species Act. 

These fuzzy, 3-inch long creatures are being wiped out by a fast-moving disease known as white-nose syndrome. Attacking their wings, muzzles and ears, the disease is named for the fuzzy white spots that appear on infected bats. Once the disease takes hold, it burns up winter fat stores and causes the bats to starve.

The bat can be found in 37 states across the country and Canada, and the disease has spread across 80% of the bats’ range and could cover its entire habitat in the next few years. Granting the bats endangered species protections would preserve their habitat, protecting their winter caves and the trees where they nest in the summer. 

We’re awaiting the next steps and announcements by the agency.