The NYS DOT Does Bat Research in Newburgh, New York

Why Did the NYSDOT Catch a Bat in, Newburgh?

The New York State Department of Transportation shared a handful of photos on social media this week of something they wouldn't normally be posting about. . .

Bats.

Sure, the NYS DOT shares photos every now and again of animals that they help save from the busy NYS roadways or preserving birds nest on local bridges.

NYSDOT Test Out Bat Safety with Mist Netting in Newburgh, NY

So why is the Department of Transportation posting photos of bats?

The NYSDOT explains in the post that they conducted a "mist netting survey" in Newburgh. During this survey they "worked to determine if protected bat species were present ahead of a planned freight parking facility project along 1-84."

They go on to add:

Before any large-scale project, it's critical to know if sensitive wildlife may be affected, and that includes bats.

The NYSDOT explains that mist nets are "placed in high-likelihood flight corridors." When bats fly into it they are "gently caught and safely removed by license specialists, identified by species, recorded for scientific data and released unharmed."

In the Facebook post the DOT also states:

Protecting endangered species is just one of the many ways NYSDOT balances infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship.

Does Newburgh, NY Have a Bat Problem?

Back in May of 2025 a local Animal Control office released a statement about an influx of calls they had received.

On May 24th, 2025, The Town of Newburgh Animal Control Shelter issued the following statement on social media:

Attention residences who live on or around Orange Lake. We have received phone calls about a large amount of bats that have been flying around during the day today.

While it may seem unusual to some, the Newburgh Animal Control office explained that this was perfectly normal and gave a few reasons why this may be occurring:

1. There home was disturbed and they are trying to find a new home.

2. They are mating.

3. They are teaching the young bats how to fly.

4. They are moving from their winter home to their summer home

They did add some tips if a bat were to get inside your home, explaining that the homeowner should block off the room the bat is in and try not to touch it. Then, call your local animal control office to take care of the rest.

Solid advice if you ask me.

Bat Infestation Discovered With Hundreds Of Bats In Roof

A video went viral featuring hundreds of bats living under someone's roof. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection says that if you discover an infestation of bats of this magnitude in your home, you'll likely have to call in the professionals.

Gallery Credit: Jahna Michal