Have Bats on Your Property? Indiana DNR Wants to Know
Bats often go unnoticed until dusk, when they emerge from barns, bridges, trees, or even the eaves of homes in search of insects.
Now, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is asking Hoosiers to keep an eye out for those summertime roosts as part of a statewide effort to better understand and protect Indiana's bat populations.
Whether you've spotted bats on your property for years or recently noticed them moving into a new location, your observation could help wildlife biologists monitor for the state's native bat species.
Why Bat Roosts Matter
The Indiana DNR's Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project relies on reports from volunteers and everyday residents to track where bats are living during the warmer months.
The information helps biologists better understand:
- Where Indiana's 12 bat species are found
- Population trends across the state
- When bats are active during the summer
- How bats and people coexist
The data also helps guide future conservation efforts and outreach programs. In some cases, property owners who report a bat roost may be contacted about participating in future wildlife surveys.
Reporting a Bat Roost Is Easy
Indiana DNR recently launched a new online reporting tool that makes it easy for anyone to submit information about a bat colony.
Reports from homeowners, landowners, farmers, and other casual observers all contribute to a better understanding of Indiana's bat populations.
Even spending just a few minutes reporting a roost can provide valuable information for researchers working to monitor species across the state.
Read More: What To Do If You Encounter an Injured Bat in Indiana
Why Bats Are Important
Although they sometimes get a bad reputation, bats play an important role in Indiana's ecosystem.
Many species consume thousands of insects each night, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests, making them valuable natural pest controllers.
Unfortunately, several bat species have experienced population declines in recent years due to habitat loss and diseases such as white-nose syndrome.
Projects like the Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project help wildlife officials better understand where bats are thriving and where additional conservation efforts may be needed.
Residents interested in reporting a bat roost or learning more about the project can visit the Indiana DNR's Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project webpage.
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals