Indiana Bat

Weight: 7 - 8 grams
Wingspan: 24 - 27 centimeters
Distribution: Cave regions in the eastern United States
Food Habits: Flying insects
Status of Population: Endangered. Present total population is fewer than 400,000, with more than 85% hibernating at only seven locations making them extremely vulnerable to destruction.

The Indiana bat was once found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States. It was one of the first species to come under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. It is endangered primarily because of human disturbance of hibernating bats. Bat Cave, in Shannon County is one of only seven caves considered to be critical habitat for continued survival of the species. Indiana bats are active from April to October, eating mainly moths, beetles and flies. During summer, habitat consists mainly of tree-lined streams, near which females form maternity roosts of 50 to 100 individuals.