Six of Vermont's nine bat species are now listed as threatened or endangered. Increasing development pressure, climate change, and diseases such as White-nose syndrome call for close species monitoring, education, and statewide outreach. Bat habitat and roost sites such as caves, forests, and houses must be considered when planning land use year-round. Last year’s discovery that an unusually large Indiana Bat colony was still using conserved land in Hinesburg gives hope for the resiliency of this species in the Northeast and highlights Vermont’s unique role in conserving bats within and outside our state boundaries. Join the VT Fish & Wildlife Small Mammal Biologist, Alyssa Bennett, and the Community Wildlife Program to learn about the unique ecological role that bats play and what towns are doing to protect these threatened and endangered species.
Presenters:
- Alyssa Bennett, Small Mammal Biologist, VT Fish and Wildlife Department
- Jens Hilke, Conservation Planner, VT Fish and Wildlife Department
Repeat sessions of this webinar will be offered on the following two dates: