News

Introducing your local neighbours:

Here in Eastern Canada, we’re lucky to live alongside eight different species of bats, all of which are insectivores. These bats help contribute to the balance of local ecosystems. But sadly, seven of these species are now endangered in Ontario.

Bats have been around for over 50 million years, and the species we see today closely resembles their ancient ancestors. Globally, there are over 1,500 species of bats, with roles ranging from pollinators and seed spreaders to insect predators.

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Here’s a quick look at some of your local bats:

Species	Description	Wingspan	Status
Tricoloured Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)	Fur has three distinct colour bands	19–26 cm	Endangered
Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus)	Glossy brown fur, roosts in buildings & caves	22–27 cm	Endangered
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)	Tan to dark brown, roosts in buildings, trees	28–33 cm	Common in Southern Ontario
Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis)	Long ears, forest dweller	23–26 cm	Endangered
Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii)	Golden brown, very small feet	21–25 cm	Endangered
Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)	Frosted silver fur, tree-rooster	27–31 cm	Endangered
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)	Bright red-orange fur, tree-rooster	27–33 cm	Endangered
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)	Fur has three distinct colour bands	34–43 cm	Endangered

Dispelling Urban Legends About Bats:

Nature’s Energy-Savers

During the cold months, bats in Canada either hibernate or migrate, depending on the species. Hibernating bats enter a state called torpor (similar to bears), slowing their heart rate down from over 400 beats per minute to under 25. Their body temperature drops to near freezing to conserve energy, allowing them to survive winter without food. But hibernation is risky. Bats rely on stored fat from the summer, and any disturbance—like caving or loud noises—can wake them up, forcing them to burn through precious energy reserves too soon.

Threatening Their Existence: White Nose Syndrome

In 2006, a deadly fungal disease known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first discovered in New York. Thought to have originated in Europe or Asia, WNS has had a devastating impact on bat populations across North America. 

Since then, millions of bats across North America have died. This fungus grows in caves such as those used by hibernating bats. The fungus infects the hibernating bats, growing on their bodies and around their faces. Because of this, these wake prematurely from hibernation, exhausting their fat stores when there’s no food available. 

Mortality rates in Eastern Canada averaged around 90%. The little brown myotis, once among the most common, is now endangered in many areas across North America. Scientists believe that WNS may soon cause this species to disappear entirely from the northeastern region of the continent.    

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Habitat Loss & Human Impact

Unfortunately, Bats are facing more than just White Nose Syndrome. Their populations are also declining due to:

• Habitat destruction
• Pesticide use
• Mine and cave closures
• Modern building practices removing roosting spots
• Unnecessary evictions from homes

Some bats have tried to adapt by roosting in barns, attics, or sheds—but as old buildings are torn down or sealed up, their shelter options are vanishing. 

What your Toronto Zoo is doing to help Bats

At your Toronto Zoo, the Native Bat Conservation Program is working to protect the rich diversity of bats in Ontario, with support from numerous partners.

In more than a decade of bat monitoring and research, your Toronto Zoo has worked across Ontario to conduct:

• Acoustic surveys collecting hundreds of thousands of bat echolocation recordings
• Capture-and-release studies and radio telemetry projects
• Public outreach to raise awareness of bats and their importance

Closer to home, the team also studies bats that live in the Rouge Valley. Together, your Toronto Zoo and Parks Canada teams are identifying existing and potential bat habitats—such as forest patches, wetlands, and marshes—and monitoring bat activity using a variety of research techniques, including acoustic monitoring, trapping, and radio telemetry.

“The Rouge National Urban Park is an amazing place for bats, it has seven of the eight Ontario bat species present within its boundaries. While bats are less visible than some other wildlife, they are an important part of our ecosystem and truly remarkable animals.” – Toby Thorne, Supervisor Field Conservation

From high-tech monitoring to boots-on-the-ground research, the Native Bat Conservation Program continues to deepen our understanding of these elusive creatures—and to ensure that they remain a thriving part of our natural heritage.

What Can YOU Do to Help Bats?

Whether you’re a bat fan or just learning to appreciate them, here are some easy ways to make a difference:

Even small actions can have a big impact on such a vital member of our ecosystem.

Guardians of the Night

Bats may have spooky reputations, but they’re ecological superheroes hiding in plain sight. Whether they’re eating pests, pollinating plants, or saving our farms millions, bats deserve our protection—not our fear.

Instead of spooky myths this season, let’s share the real story: bats are vital to our ecosystems and deserve our support.

Want to do more? You can support the Toronto Zoo Bat Conservation Program or explore how you can become a bat advocate in your community.

By working together, we can safeguard bat populations and ensure their survival for generations to come.