Introduction
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) was a common species in BCR 14. Its populations are declining due to white-nose syndrome. This species is most abundant in agricultural landscapes or in towns and cities but also uses a variety of forest types. It hibernates in caves, mines or buildings. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.
If your property is in BCR14, contact your state wildlife agency before implementing a project. There can be individual state regulations that may apply.
Habitat Needs
This species is primarily an urban or agricultural dweller. It roosts in buildings and feeds over open fields, a variety forest types and size classes, and over open water or along roads and trails. However, when in the forest, this species seems to prefer mature deciduous forests containing large cavity trees for roosting.
Habitat Management Practices
Prevent the loss of roosting and maternity sites by maintaining buildings known to be used by big brown bats or by providing alternative structures such as bat condos and bat houses.
Silvicultural Practices
Use either even-aged or uneven-aged silvicultural prescriptions in hardwoods leaving up to three large, living, standing cavity trees per acre.