Bats in Southwestern Ontario:
Our Nocturnal Allies

The ecological services provided by bats are profound and far-reaching. In Southwestern (aka 'Eastern') Ontario, all eight resident bat species are insectivorous, making them primary predators of nocturnal, flying insects: moths, beetles and mosquitoes- to name a few.

This predatory role is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and provides a significant benefit to human interests, particularly in agriculture and forestry, where bats help control pest populations.

This natural pest control can substantially reduce the presence of annoying insects around homes and cottages during the summer months, diminishing the need for chemical pesticides.

Due to their ecological importance and the significant threats they face, bats are protected under Ontario law. This legal framework underscores that harming bats, particularly endangered species, without proper authorization is prohibited.

JUST THE FACTS:

Over 70% of bat species globally are insectivorous, meaning their primary diet consists of 'bugs'.

JUST THE FACTS:

A single Little Brown Bat is capable of consuming its own body weight in insects in a single night, which can amount to an astonishing 600 insects per hour.

JUST THE FACTS:

Bats in ecosystems contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, further highlighting their diverse and essential ecological value.

JUST THE FACTS:

Specifically, endangered and threatened bat species cannot be harassed, captured, or killed unless a landowner enters into a formal agreement with the Ministry.

Bats in Southwestern Ontario: Our Nocturnal Allies

JUST THE FACTS:

JUST THE FACTS:

JUST THE FACTS:

JUST THE FACTS:

Bats in Southwestern Ontario:
Our Nocturnal Allies