Meet the Indiana bat

By Chris Slesar, Monkton Representative for Lewis Creek Association

The Lewis Creek Association in cooperation with the Vermont Department
of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a presentation and discussion on the
Federally Endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) in Vermont.  The local
angle on current research, conservation efforts, and the general life
cycle of the Indiana bat will be the topics of this presentation and
discussion.

Vermont's lower Champlain Valley provides important summer range for the
Federally Endangered Indiana bat.  These colonies make up New England's
only known maternity range, and one of the largest known across the
species range.  This elusive creature roosts in tiny crevices in dead
trees or shelter provided by loose or exfoliating bark.  The tiny
Indiana bat (not much bigger than an adult's thumb) is active in the
Champlain Valley from early spring until early fall.   Nationally, the
populations of the Indiana bat are in decline.  While Vermont's
population appears to be relatively strong, it does face challenges from
local development pressures.  Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
biologists are currently unraveling some important clues about the life
cycle and the local range of this charismatic little creature. 

Join Vermont Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Scott Darling, for an
informative and engaging look into the life of the Indiana bat in
Vermont.  Mr. Darling will give a slide show presentation at Carpenter
Carse Library in Hinesburg on Friday May 12 at 7PM, and offer
opportunities to observe field surveys this summer.  Space is limited to
65.