The BC Community Bat Program invites community members to join the Annual BC Bat Count. This summer, bat biologists and volunteers will spend evenings at known bat roosts, counting the animals as they emerge at twilight. This important citizen science initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about bats and helps gather crucial scientific data. Last year, volunteers completed 888 counts at 274 roost sites throughout the province.
Bat Count data help biologists understand local bat populations and monitor for impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS). This devastating disease that has already killed millions of bats across North America. The fungus that causes WNS was first detected in our province in a 2022 guano sample from Grand Forks, BC. Declines in numbers of bats at known roosts could provide early warning of the arrival of the disease and help prioritize areas for treatment and recovery actions.
Sunshine Coast community members interested in participating in the Bat Count, or those who are aware of bats roosting in sites like attics, roofs, siding, barns, or bat boxes are encouraged to contact [email protected] or 604-989-1007. The first counting period, before bat pups can fly, runs until June 21, and the second counting period, when pups are flying with their mothers, takes place from July 11 to August 5.
In partnership with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Community Bat Program provides information and promotes local stewardship and citizen science. The program runs thanks to funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, the Habitat Stewardship Program, and many regional partners. To find out more about the Annual BC Bat Count and how to help bats, please visit www.bcbats.ca.
