Northern Long-Eared Bat Update

According to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, white-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Consequently, measures have been taken to impede this progression and data was collected to determine locations of infected bats.

The final 4(d) Rule of the Endangered Species Act for the federally threatened northern long-eared bat went into effect on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Annapolis Field Office, the only known Maryland hibernacula occur within Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. Consequently, for projects within these counties coordination with the FWS will be necessary to determine restrictions or if any additional surveys are needed.  For all other Maryland counties no coordination is necessary as no roost sites are known/confirmed.

The above map shows the three WNS infected Maryland counties in a maroon color. However, these locations are subject to change as new data is collected.

ESA has extensive experience conducting surveys for and coordinating with federal and state regulatory agencies regarding endangered species such as bats, amphipods, bald eagle, swamp pink, small-whorled pogonia, and sensitive joint-vetch. Please feel free to contact us for further details.