Bats are a big part of most Montana ecosystems, and many species of bats are facing endangerment.

Bats assist nature in Montana with many things. Some of those being pest control, dispersing seeds, and pollination. According to fwp.mt.gov, “A single little brown bat can consume 1,200 mosquitos in an hour.” Bats also save us billions of dollars annually by eating pests that go after crops like moths, cucumber beetles, corn earworms, and grasshoppers.

There are 15 different species of bats in Montana alone, the most common species being the big brown bats and the hoary bats. Bats in Montana migrate with the food supplies meaning bats migrate back to Montana in the summer. They tend to roost in buildings and rock outcrops; whichever is more suitable for their homes. Each species of bat holds an important part of our ecosystems.

Rabies is the worry of a lot of Montana residents when it comes to bats. But, according to batworld.org, “less then ½ of 1% of all bats may contract the disease.” So, it makes it pretty unlikely that you would get rabies from a bat. It is much more likely from animals like foxes, skunks, raccoons, and other mammals with fur.

Bats are one of the best forms of pest control that we have here in Montana and that is why it is important that we save them before they become endangered. Hanging up bat houses, minimizing pesticide use, learning about bats, and reducing lighting are ways that you can help with the bat population in your area. Help save our local bat populations starting today!