Michigan Bats, Michigan’s Flying Mammals
Early in the 1800’s metallic mineral exploration in Michigan’s upper peninsula there resulted in the creation of thousands of vertical and horizontal mines and pits. These Michigan sites, after mining operations ceased, became depositories for trash, hazardous places open to curious explorers and shelters for Michigan bats and other cave dwellers. Michigan Mines offered optimum bat winter roosting sites (called hibernaculum) due to their relatively constant temperatures, around 54 degrees, high humidity and low Michigan air movement.
One example of the importance of these old Michigan mines is the Millie Hill site in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Conservation practices were deemed necessary after a survey into the abandoned Michigan mine by Marquette fireman and part time spelunker Steve Smith discovered a population estimated at one million Michigan little brown and big brown bats. The mine was heavily vandalized and slated to be closed, threatening the unique Michigan resource.
A Michigan partnership developed between the Natural Heritage Program, the local community, Bat Conservation International and other Michigan state and federal agencies to develop a management plan, including a cage designed to keep humans from entering the shaft while allowing the continued use of the site by bats. Michigan educational programs were conducted to stress the importance of bats in the environment.
Thanks to the concern and involvement of all the Michigan individuals and organizations, the initial phase of the Michigan plan seems to have worked. Michigan Bats in the Millie Hill mine are protected and have free movement in and out of this abandoned iron mine through the “bat cage”.
This Michigan mine has been designated as having significant natural resource features and is now a Michigan Watchable Wildlife viewing area. Improvements are being developed to allow safe public visitation to the site.
Michigan bats comprise one-fourth of the world’s 4,000 bat species of mammals and are most often found in forested areas near water, which are insect-rich areas. Michigan fruit-eating bats are nature’s most important seed-dispersing animals. Michigan nectar bats pollinate many rain-forest trees, shrubs, and flowers and without their help the Michigan forest would be less diverse. The ability of Michigan insect-eating bats is phenomenal–one little Michigan brown bat can eat 600 to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. Over-sized ears and nostrils help Michigan bats to use a sonar system that experts believe is a thousand times more sophisticated than the best airport radar invented to date.
Removing bats from commercial and residential properties in Michigan is essential for ensuring the health and safety of residents and preserving the integrity of buildings. Bats can carry diseases such as rabies, histoplasmosis, and bat guano-related respiratory issues, posing significant health risks to humans and pets. Additionally, their droppings and urine can cause structural damage to properties over time, leading to costly repairs and creating unsanitary living conditions. By addressing bat infestations promptly and effectively, property owners can protect the well-being of occupants and maintain the value of their investments.Furthermore, the presence of bats can disrupt daily activities and negatively impact the quality of life for residents. Their nocturnal habits may disturb sleep patterns, and the noise and odor associated with bat colonies can be disruptive and unpleasant. Removing bats from commercial and residential properties helps to create a more comfortable and peaceful living environment for everyone.
List of the 20 largest cities in Michigan: 1. Detroit 2. Grand Rapids 3. Warren 4. Sterling Heights 5. Ann Arbor 6. Lansing 7. Flint 8. Dearborn 9. Livonia 10. Troy 11. Westland 12. Farmington Hills 13. Kalamazoo 14. Wyoming 15. Southfield 16. Rochester Hills 17. Taylor 18. St. Clair Shores 19. Pontiac 20. Novi