Current Connecticut Conservation Steps
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All nine bat species in Connecticut have been listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Connecticut's 2015 Wildlife Action Plan to ensure that bat conservation is treated as a priority by state actions and policy.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) has a bat-reporting program for citizens to help track the spread of white-nose syndrome, and the department also provides educational resources and events to raise awareness about bats and reduce any negative stigma surrounding them. ​
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CT DEEP has installed bat gates over some Connecticut caves and abandoned mines to prevent human entry from disturbing critical hibernation periods for bats.
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Wind energy companies in Connecticut have been asked to complete bat population impact statements prior to approval of new development plans.
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On a larger scale, non-profit groups such as Bat Conservation International are partnering with other organizations to produce management resources and plans that can be adapted locally.
Steps you can take to help protect CT bats
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Build or buy a bat house to provide species affected by habitat loss with artificial roost sites (instructions can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Bats).
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Report any sightings of bats with signs of white-nose syndrome (white fuzzy growth on snout or wings, activity during hibernation period, etc.) to the DEEP Wildlife Division through the email deep.batprogram@ct.gov.
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Avoid touring caves or abandoned mines during hibernation periods, and stay aware of local bat habitat regulations.
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Stay educated and advocate for local policies to protect and conserve bat species, such as development restrictions in critical bat habitat zones, wind turbine positioning regulations, and increased research.
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Donate to organizations committed to protecting bat species and increasing research and education about them, such as Bat Conservation International.
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"Bat Box" by TheGreenHeron is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Bat Conservation International. (2021, February 17). Bats 101. https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/bats-101/
BNE Energy Inc., & Larson, C. (2011, March). Petition of BNE Energy Inc. for a Declaratory Ruling for the Location, Construction and Operation of a 4.8 MW Wind Renewable Generating Project on Flagg Hill Road in Colebrook, Connecticut (“Wind Colebrook South”). CT.gov. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CSC/1_Dockets-medialibrary/Petition_983/98320110315BNEResponsesZimapdf.pdf
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (2016). Bats. CT.Gov - Connecticut’s Official State Website. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Bats
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CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (2016). Bats. CT.Gov - Connecticut’s Official State Website. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Bats
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O’Neill, T. (2019, November 9). DEEP official: It could take decades to revive CT’s bat population. Connecticut Post. https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/DEEP-official-It-could-take-decades-to-revive-14821345.php
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