TVA finds rare bat in Tennessee cave

the northern long-eared bat is a threatened species now

LAFOLLETTE, Tennessee (WDEF) – He may not be much to look at, but TVA zoologists were happy to find him.

They resumed their cave inspections this winter after pausing them for Covid.

The zoologists found the northern long-eared bat in a cave at Norris Lake, north of Knoxville.

They hadn’t seen one in years because the bat is currenlty on the threatened species list.

Northern long-eared bat populations have been devastated by the white-nose syndrome fungus.

The TWRA reports that their numbers have dropped 98% in Tennessee since 2010.

So this was a real find.

“These bats are notoriously hard to find in caves. They’re tiny – they fit in the palm of your hand and hibernate in small crevices or cracks,” said TVA Terrestrial Zoologist Liz Hamrick.

This is one wildlife case that they hope nature lovers will NOT help them with.

“Disturbing hibernating bats contributes to the decline of this species,” TVA Zoollogist Jess Troxler said.

“Avoid trespassing in caves and, if you are authorized to explore a cave, take care to not disturb resting bats and disinfect your clothing and gear after each trip.”

But the latest find gives them hope.

“Our data collection supports studies across North America, and we remain hopeful that enough bats are able to survive with white-nose syndrome in their environment that we will start to see increases in populations in the near future,” Hamrick said.