The Northern Long Eared Bat is one of the fourteen bat species that flies over western North Carolina under the cover of darkness, and also one of the most endangered. They highlight the Southern Blue Ridge's extraordinary diversity, which is neither restricted to the land nor the daytime. Mainspring Conservation Trust is committed to supporting animals like Northern Long Eared Bats by conserving and restoring the forests and wetlands that they depend on. Your purchase supports our efforts to protect our special region and the unique animals that live here.

As insect predators, bats have always been a crucial source of natural pest control in western North Carolina, but they have become rare over recent years due to the deadly White Nose Syndrome fungal infection, habitat loss, and water pollution. Northern Long Eared Bats often forage in wetlands or forests, where they may eat their body weight in insects in a single night! That means that these "sky puppies" are sensitive to the impacts of poorly planned development, which can destroy crucial habitat and deteriorate water quality. These factors not only affect Northern Long Eared Bats directly, but also lead to a reduction in insect availability, further imperiling these special creatures.

White Nose Syndrome was introduced to North America in the early 2000's, and quickly decimated bat populations as it spread. The fungal infection was first reported in North Carolina in February of 2011, where it continues to wreak havoc on bat colonies today, particularly those that hibernate in social groups. The North Long Eared Bat was reclassified as Federally Endangered in October of 2024 due to the disastrous effects of White Nose Syndrome on its population numbers.

All hope is not lost for our bats! Research shows that populations are beginning to stabilize and develop a natural resistance to White Nose Syndrome. The best way to support our struggling bats is to ensure that they have intact forests, clean water, and safe roosts to live and forage in. Mainspring Conservation Trust considers our bat neighbors when conducting our conservation work, and puts a special focus on protecting the habitats that are the most crucial to Northern Long Eared Bats and all the bats that live alongside us here in WNC.

Mainspring and our partners- including Tennessee Valley Authority, US Fish and Wildlife, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and Highlands Biological Station- pose at the site of a recently restored wetland. Research on this property has shown that after the restoration was completed, a number of bat species returned to the wetland.