Wisconsin bat count reveals declining populations of certain species

The 12th annual Great Wisconsin Bat Count, conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, recorded over 20,000 bats across 120 roosts during June and July. Despite the large number, researchers noted declines in specific populations, including approximately 3,000 fewer little brown bats and 750 fewer big brown bats compared to the previous year.

Of the eight bat species residing in Wisconsin, four remain classified as threatened. Ecologists continue to monitor these populations due to the impact of white-nose syndrome, a fatal disease that has been present in the state since 2014. Experts suggest that unfavorable weather conditions during the counting period may have influenced the lower numbers.

The findings coincide with International Bat Week, an event held from October 24–31 to highlight the ecological importance of bats in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control.