Two Bat Species to Receive Protection under Endangered Species Act

Little Brown Myotis and the Northern Myotis bats are now listed as endangered under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

This designation is in response to the presence of white-nose syndrome in the province since 2017.

White-nose syndrome is a deadly, non-native bat fungal disease that causes mortality in hibernating bat species. Currently, there are no large-scale prevention methods or cures for white-nose syndrome, which has decimated hibernating bats throughout the eastern Canadian provinces and the eastern United States.

Endangered species designation provides immediate protection to these bats and their residences or dwellings. It is illegal to disturb, harass, injure, or capture bats, or to disturb or destroy their residences, including overwintering sites and roost sites, such as maternal colonies.

Individuals who plan to remove bats from homes, buildings or other structures should contact the Wildlife Division for a permit and further advice to limit the impact on the bats. All activities must adhere to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative’s Best Management Practices to ensure evictions do not negatively impact bats.