SARA Endangered Species
Life stage and activities observable in the summer: adults in flight at dusk using sonar to catch flying insects

As dusk settles over the islands, you might just catch a glimpse of the Little Brown Myotis flying by! In forests, by fresh water, in grasslands, or open fields is where these small bats can be found, catching bugs as they fly through the air. The Little Brown Myotis has black ears, black wings, and a black tail. With a lifespan of more than 30 years, it is one of the most common bats across Canada.

These bats can teach us a lot about how to rest. As summer days breeze by, the Little Brown Myotis can be found resting in trees, cliffs, crevices, bat boxes, bridges, barns, and buildings for upwards of 20 hours a day! The Little Brown Myotis is a nocturnal species that feed on invertebrates such as moths, spiders, and beetles.

Unfortunately, populations of this bat have significantly declined throughout Canada due to the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal disease. WNS spreads most rapidly during the winter when bats are hibernating, affecting their skin and leading to dehydration, starvation, and death. As their habitat disappears due to deforestation and development, and bats are forced to hibernate together in fewer places, disease transmission of the WNS spores spreads more efficiently to uninfected bats.

How to Help the Little Brown Myotis

• Avoid disrupting the Little Brown Myotis’ habitat, especially during roosting and hibernation. Never touch a bat – keep your distance and leave them alone!
• If you find a dead bat, report it to the B.C. Community Bat Program online at bcbats.ca, via email at info@bcbats.ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287.
• Contribute your observations of the Little Brown Myotis by sending an email to SAR@islandstrust.bc.ca.