The Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project is inviting community members to help with bat conservation efforts by joining in the Annual BC Bat Count. This province-wide citizen science effort is a fun activity suitable for all ages. Participants simply sit outside known roosts and count bats as they fly out at sunset. The first counting period is from June 1 to 21.
Residents who have bats occupying a roof, attic, barn, shed, or bat house, along with those wishing to volunteer with the counts, are asked to contact [email protected] or 604-989-1007.
With white-nose syndrome now spreading in Washington, this year’s count is of vital importance. This devastating fungal disease affects bats during winter hibernation, causing near 100 per cent mortality in some affected colonies, and has already been linked to the deaths of over seven million bats in eastern and central North America. This may be our last year to obtain population estimates before white-nose syndrome causes widespread declines in the west.
If desired, Wildlife Project team members can assist with the count, visit your property to assess the bat situation, identify species present, and provide you with information about coexisting with bats, or options for safe exclusion, if desired. To learn more, please visit bcbats.ca, coastwildlife.ca and www.facebook.com/coastwildlife
– Submitted by Michelle Evelyn
