Northeast Bat Working Group 2025

Hello everyone! In January I attended the Northeast Bat Working Group (NEBWG) meeting in Harrisburg, PA. Hundreds of bat scientists and educators meet every year to share the current state of bat populations and research from Maine to Virginia. To give you an idea of the range of people, I met an enthusiastic Pennsylvania State Park educator, a consultant about to survey a Senica reservation, and a Meadowlands employee doing presence surveys. The great thing about this community is that we share the common goal of understanding and helping bats, and everyone with that interest is welcome. You don’t have to understand the big words they are using to understand the current findings and condition of bat populations. I learned a new term: curtailment. It means how the wind energy company is adjusting how it runs the turbines to minimize bat deaths. They have learned a great deal in recent years and have managed to lower the rate significantly. The other big topic discussed was acoustic monitoring. I learned that Todd and I are practicing the 5 rules of listening accurately for bats. I’m grateful that more knowledgable scientists share their knowledge with others. And finally, the people doing the work of the heart, I met a few rehabbers. These folks are treating sick bats, sheltering the ones who can be saved, and sharing their findings with scientists. Bats don’t suffer from many diseases, but when they do, rehabbers are likely to see it. I’m thankful for them all. If you are curious about the condition of bats in your state, look up the Bat Working Group. You can attend one of their meetings, or request information about bats in your neighborhood. It’s easy and fun to get involved helping these amazing creatures. And you meet wonderful, giving people along the way.