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Gray
Bat, Myotis
grisescens
photo courtesy of USFWS
The largest member of
its genus in the eastern United States, the gray bat weighs from 7 to 16
grams. The status of this bat is endangered throughout its range.
One feature that distinguishes this species from all other eastern
bats is its uni-colored dorsal fur. Gray
bat colonies are restricted entirely to caves or cave-like habitats.
During the summer, the bats are highly selective for caves
providing specific temperature and roost conditions.
The caves are usually located within a kilometer of a river or
reservoir. In the winter they
utilize only deep, vertical caves having a temperature of 6 – 11 °
Centigrade. Human disturbance
and vandalism may have been primarily responsible for their decline.
Disturbance of a maternity colony may cause thousands of young to
be dropped to the cave floor where they perish or excessive disturbance
may cause a colony to completely abandon a cave.
Flooding, cave-ins, pollution and siltation, and cave
commercialization also have contributed to the decline.
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