Gray Bat
Myotis grisescens
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Chiroptera · Vespertilionidae
About
The gray bat is a species of microbat endemic to North America. It once flourished in caves all over the southeastern United States, but due to human disturbance, gray bat populations declined severely during the early and mid portion of the 20th century. 95% of gray bats now hibernate in only 15 caves. M. grisescens has been listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1976, and is protected under the Endangered Species Act. Gray bat populations were estimated at approximately 2 million bats around the time they were placed on the Endangered Species list. By the early 1980s populations of gray bats dropped to 1.6 million. With conservation efforts in place, in 2004, gray bat populations were estimated to have reached 3.4 million.
Fun Fact
grisescens are the largest members of their genus in the eastern United States.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Live in limestone karst areas in the southeastern United States.
Diet
Eat more beetles than adults, perhaps they provide a greater energy reward per unit of capture effort.
Lifespan
17 years
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change