Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats
Corynorhinus townsendii
A Species of Special Concern
These distinctive bats are easily recognized by their enormous ears, which can be nearly as long as their bodies. They roost in caves and abandoned structures, often hanging from ceilings in small clusters.
Townsend’s Big-Eared bats are sensitive to disturbance, particularly during hibernation and when raising young. Their presence at Cave of the Clouds makes this preserve critically important for their survival in the region.
Distinctive Features
Enormous ears, nearly as long as body
Behavior
Hang from ceilings in small clusters
Status
Species of special concern
Habitat
Hang from ceilings in small clusters
The White-Nose Syndrome Threat
A Devastating Disease
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease caused by a pathogenic fungus that has killed millions of bats across North America. The fungus appears as a white fuzz on the nose, ears, and wings of infected bats, disrupting their hibernation and causing them to use up critical fat reserves before winter ends.
How It Spreads
The fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) spreads primarily through:
- Bat-to-bat contact in hibernation sites
- Contaminated caving gear and clothing
- Cave-to-cave transmission by humans
- Environmental persistence in caves
Impact on Bats
White-Nose Syndrome causes:
- Disrupted hibernation patterns
- Premature depletion of fat reserves
- Dehydration and starvation
- Population declines of 90% or more
- Local extinctions of some species
Prevention is Critical
There is currently no cure for White-Nose Syndrome. Prevention through proper decontamination is our only defense against spreading this deadly disease to uninfected bat populations.
Every visitor who follows protocols helps protect bats not just at our preserve, but throughout the region.
Mandatory Decontamination
To protect the bats at Defiance Cave Preserve from potential infection, all visitors must follow current US Fish and Wildlife decontamination protocols before and after visiting any cave on the property. This is not optional—it’s a critical step in preventing the spread of this deadly disease.
Decontamination Requirements
- Clean all caving gear, clothing, and footwear before visiting
- Use only decontaminated equipment that has not been in other caves recently
- Follow specific cleaning protocols for items that have been in other caves
- Decontaminate all equipment again after your visit
- Never share equipment between caves without proper decontamination
⚠️ CRITICAL: Failure to follow decontamination protocols puts bat populations at risk and may result in denial of future access to the preserve.
Respectful Cave Visitation
🔦 When Bats Are Present
Do not shine your lights directly at roosting bats. Talk quietly and avoid sudden movements. Never touch or disturb bats. Keep visits brief in areas where bats are roosting
🚫 Never Disturb
Never touch, approach closely, or attempt to handle bats. Disturbing roosting bats can cause them to flee, wasting precious energy reserves they need for survival, especially during hibernation.
📅 Seasonal Sensitivity
Do not visit during sensitive periods if advised by preserve managers. Bats are particularly vulnerable during hibernation (winter) and when raising young (summer).
🌿 Other Cave Life
Beyond bats, the caves harbor diverse specialized fauna adapted to underground life. All cave inhabitants deserve protection. Do not disturb or harm any life within the cave or elsewhere on the preserve property.
Why Bats Matter
🦟
Insect Control
A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night, providing natural pest control and reducing the need for pesticides.
🌺
Pollination
Many bat species pollinate plants and disperse seeds, playing crucial roles in ecosystem health and plant reproduction.
🌱
Ecosystem Enrichment
Bat guano enriches cave ecosystems and historically provided valuable fertilizer for agriculture.
🔬
Ecosystem Health
Bats indicate overall ecosystem health. Thriving bat populations suggest a healthy, balanced environment.
Your Role in Conservation
By following decontamination protocols, respecting bats during your visit, and spreading awareness about bat conservation, you become part of the solution. These simple actions help ensure that future generations can share the cave with these remarkable flying mammals. If you observe sick, dead, or abnormally behaving bats, or signs of White-Nose Syndrome, report your observations to the preserve owners immediately.