Mustelid Predators Catch Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) during Spring Emergence from a Cave Hibernaculum
Malcolm H. R. Reimer1,* and Craig K. R. Willis1
1Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9, Canada. *Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research Notes, Volume 3 (2025):N1–N7
Abstract
We report the first direct observations of 2 mustelids, Neogale frenata (Long-tailed Weasel) and Martes americana (American Marten), capturing Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Myotis) in flight, as the bats emerged from a cave in Manitoba, Canada. These predators also regularly entered the cave over 3 months in late winter and spring. The number of bats in this hibernaculum has declined dramatically due to white-nose syndrome. Our observations suggest that predation represents an additional risk to population recovery at this site and highlight the need to consider predation at hibernacula among the many threats faced by endangered North American bats.
Download Full-text pdf (Open access)
Access Journal Content
Open access browsing of all JNABR content.
Journal of North American Bat Research is valued by the academic, agency, NGO, and private-sector research community as a respected and trusted source for science related to all aspects of the biology, ecology, and conservation of bats, Order Chiroptera, and their habitats in North America, from Canada to Panama, and the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles). Manuscripts based on studies outside this region that provide information on species within the region may be considered at the Editor’s discretion.