Florida Bonneted Bat Cavity Peeping

ETE has recently conducted a series of Florida bonneted bat (FBB) tree cavity surveys around Collier County. Florida bonneted bats are a critically endangered mammal endemic to southern Florida. The bats are thought to typically roost in tree cavities in snags (dead trees) made by woodpeckers, as well as bat houses and artificial structures. These creatures are extremely rare whose behaviors and roosting locations are widely unknown due to their elusiveness.

The FBB is the largest bat species in Florida, averaging a whopping 6.5 inches (about the size of a soda can). In an effort to protect the Florida bonneted bats, and abide by state and federal laws, ETE conducts tree cavity surveys to better determine the presence of FBB in local habitats. In the field, we first do a visual assessment in potential FBB habitat for any tree cavities. FBB are thought to utilize pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and agricultural areas for foraging and potential roosting habitat.

Once a potential tree cavity has been identified, it is then inspected using a pole-mounted camera and its contents are documented. Occupants of cavities have included woodpeckers, songbirds,  an Eastern screech owl, and snakes.

Curious what you can do to help Florida bonneted bats? Here are some tips!

1. Set up a bat house/box on your property
2. Plant (native!) night-blooming, fragrant flowers, herbs and fruits to attract insects- bats food source
3. Avoid use of insecticides and pesticides. One colony of 75 bats can devour up to 75,000 insects per HOUR! Talk about pest control!

Earth Tech Environmental is available to assist with all of your cavity survey and inspection needs! Give us a call today!