Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador
Bats of Newfoundland and Labrador
Three species of bats have been confirmed to date on the island of Newfoundland and one in Labrador. These are the Little Brown Bat, the Northern Long-eared Bat, and the Hoary Bat.
The Little Brown Bat and the Northern Long-eared Bat are known to breed in the province. The Little Brown Bat is the most common on the island and is the only species known to live in Labrador. It can be a challenge to locate, observe, identify and census bats because of their nocturnal and secretive nature. When you can find them, they are likely to be flying around, zigzagging and diving in the dark of the night.
Hoary Bat
Little Brown Bat
Northern Long-Eared Bat
White Nose Syndrome
Nearly 40% of North American bat species are threatened or endangered. Around the world, many more bat populations are declining at alarming rates. In Newfoundland and Labrador, our bat populations have been affected by the White-nose Syndrome (WNS). It is caused by a fungus and was first detected in a New York cave in 2006. Mortality rates often exceed 90% in infected hibernating sites. There is no known cure of WNS.
Bat Myth #1
Bats can actually see very well in the day and the night
Bats are Blind
Bat Myth #2
Bats do not become entangled in human hair deliberately, though they may dive for flying insects near a person's head
Bats Get tangled in hair
Bat Myth #3
The bats of NL do not feed on blood. The little brown bat is a harmless insect eater. Most bats feed on insects or fruit.
Bats Drink Blood
Bat Myth #4
Bats are not birds but flying mammals.
Bats are Birds
Bat Myth #5
Not all bats bite and carry diseases. Bats seldom transmit disease to other animals or humans, but bats are wild animals and just in case should not be disturbed.
All bats bite: They carry rabies and diseases
Bat Boxes
It's no secret, bat populations are declining. One major reason for the decline of bat populations is the loss of habitat. One way to counteract this problem is install a bat box/house. A bat box is a simple and effective way to provide additional roosting habitat for bats in the area.
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A bat box is a shelter where bats can roost during the day. Setting up bat house can help facilitate the conservation of bat populations. Furthermore, if you want the bats to leave your house, but still keep them in the surrounding area, setting up bat houses can help keep bats in the area after removing them from your buildings.
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Bats only have one pup per year, so providing them safe haven is vital to their survival. Bats also make great neighbours; they help control insects through spring and summer.
Resources
Little Brown Bat - Fisheries and Land Resources, NL (PDF)
Provincial Bat Monitoring Project, 2013 (PDF)
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Bats & White-nose Syndrome in NL (PDF)
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"Bat Problems in N.L.? ..." - The Telegram 2017
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Public Advisory: Residents encouraged to report winter bat sightings
"Got Bats? How to manage bats in buildings in NL" - Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
