Bats
Bats are a key biological control of insect populations, and island bats appear to be threatened by the historical clearing of cavity forming trees such as willows, and subsequent deterioration or demolition or the old barns and homes to which they turned for maternity roosts. Nine species have been reported in the islands but their distribution and status are unknown. Kwiaht has located three colonies of federally listed Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats thus far, and helped Moran State Park construct a demonstration “bat tower” for a displaced colony of rare Long-eared Myotis. Free consultations are available for landowners on living with bat colonies and protecting bats when renovating barns and attics.
Townsend's Big Eared Bat, Orcas
New bat house at Moran State Park