Bats

Hoary Bats are native to the Niobrara NSR and eat pesky summer insects.

NPS Photo

Bats give some people the heebie-jeebies, but these interesting little mammals do more than just scare people during Halloween season.

There are a total of 6 confirmed bat species in the Niobrara NSR valley, and two more unconfirmed! That's a lot of insect eaters!

The Niobrara NSR is home to:

• Big Brown Bats
• Eastern Red Bats
• Hoary Bats
• Silver-haired Bats
• Western Small-footed Myotis Bats
• Tri-colored Bats
• Northern Long-eared Bats (probably)
• Evening Bats (probably)

Bats benefit the Western and Eastern ecosystems that meet at the Niobrara:

• Niobrara Bats can eat thousands of insects every night!
  • Great for keeping the bugs away while floating and camping on the river.
• They roost/sleep in trees, helping bring diversity to the nocternal wildlife in the region.
• Some species migrate in the colder seasons, and return when their food sources do in the summer.
• The rest hibernate in local caves, outbuildings, and storm sewers, ex. the Tri-colored Bat.

Bats in the United States are faced with a new threat, and biologists are working hard to keep these insect-eaters safe.

 

 

Dive into the World of Bats

How can you get involved? Check out National Bat Week!