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 for bats, with no risk of harm to humans. Recently, the fungus causing WNS was detected again in B.C. in bat feces in Vancouver. WNS spreads most rapidly during the winter when bats are hibernating. WNS affects their skin, wings, and muzzle, waking them up before they’re meant to be active leading to dehydration, starvation, and death. As their habitat disappears due to deforestation, development, and climate change, bats are forced to hibernate together in fewer places where disease transmission of the WNS spores spreads more efficiently to uninfected bats.

How to Help the Little Brown Myotis

• Avoid disrupting and visiting Little Brown Myotis’ habitat, especially during roosting and hibernation. Never touch a live bat – keep your distance and leave them alone!
• If you find a dead bat or witness unusual bat behaviour, 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.