The Department of Environmental Conservation wants to remind you that bats are a very important part of our environment. Instead of being afraid, let's help protect them. Here's how you can do your part.

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How Are Bats Beneficial to New York State?

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, bats are like nature's pest control. Their diet consists of eating a lot of insects which helps plants grow. This spreads the seeds and pollinates flowers. It also helps to keep crops and forests safe from insects that harm them which saves New York farms and forests. Studies show that just one bat can eat insects equivalent to its weight.

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What Are Bats Being Affected By?

 White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, has been hitting hibernating bats hard, leading to widespread deaths in some species across the U.S. It was first spotted in North America back in 2007, near Howe Caverns in Schoharie County, when photos surfaced of bats with the fungus lying dead on the ground.
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Recently, there’s been much talk about research linking white-nose syndrome to increased pesticide use by farmers. But that idea has sparked some debate, especially among farmers and experts in the Northeast, who aren't so convinced.

Here's How You Can Do Your Part

As the weather gets colder, bats look for warm places to spend the winter. Caves and mines are perfect, cozy spots. But, if people visit these places in the winter, it can hurt the bats, especially because of a disease called white-nose syndrome that has been very harmful to them.

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Bats in New York mostly have babies in the fall. When it gets colder and the bugs are scarce, they either sleep through the winter or fly somewhere warmer. They come back in spring, around mid-April.

So, as you see bats flying around, remember that they need our help. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wants us to avoid caves and mines in the fall and winter to keep bats safe.

Which Bats Live In New York State?

There are two types of bats in New York that are protected by the law. One is the Indiana bat, and the other is the northern long-eared bat.

The 10 Most Invasive Animals & Insects in New York State

There's nothing worse than an unwanted guest.

Gallery Credit: Will Phillips

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