An easy way to help bats is by bldg bat houses. Learn more ways to support bats, WHC Bats Project Guidance https://t.co/59RJQJzn7i #BatWeek pic.twitter.com/KzrbDIhjwI
— Wildlife Habitat (@WildlifeHC) October 25, 2016
Chicago is home to at least seven species of bat -- the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus), Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis), Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis), Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus), and Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus).
While bats in the city are often a subject or horror, especially when they take up roost inside an attic or garage, they are mostly harmless so long as precautions are taken. Bats are a carrier of the rabies virus, but transmission to humans is exceptionally rare. The CDC reports only about 2 cases per year in the entire United States. And, bats provide a valuable service in return for us tolerating their presence. They hunt mosquitoes, and other insects. Outside of the city limits, bats play a crucial role in controlling agricultural pests.
Since 2006, however, these fascinating flying mammals have been under attack from a fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome (WNS). It is extremely lethal to hibernating bats, and has been documented in five of the seven species that live in Chicago.
While a cure for WNS is better left to the scientists, regular citizens can help our native bats through this difficult time. The Wildlife Habitat Council posted a guide for creating and installing bat houses, which give the bats a place to live when they aren't out hunting bugs.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV) is setting a great example of how even businesses can lend a hand. It was nominated for a Wildlife Habitat Council Award for its bat project.
"The bat houses are just one part of our biodiversity plan here at the West Virginia plant," said Marc Crouse, Environmental Engineering Specialist at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. "Visitors to our one-mile green loop can stroll through to see the bat boxes and appreciate other aspects of biodiversity. I like to tell people that being a mobility company means more than building cars, trucks and engines and transmissions. We also want to contribute to the mobility of the critters that share our West Virginia home."
Visit Chicago Northside Toyota Scion to learn more about Toyota's role in protecting biodiversity. Animal lovers are always welcome!
