The Northern Long-eared Bat

The Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) (NLEB) is one of the species of bats most impacted by the disease White-nose Syndrome (WNS).

Due to severe population declines caused by WNS, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the Northern Long-eared Bat as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA, 50 CFR 17.11) on April 2, 2015. It was subsequently listed as an Endangered Species under the ESA on March 31, 2023. NLEB is also listed as Endangered under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA, M.G.L. c. 131 A).   

Northern Long-eared Bat, Endangered. Photo by USFWS

USFWS’s Final Rule and Interim Guidance can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/. Please note that if your proposed project or activity is also within Priority Habitat as codified under the MESA, a separate MESA review will be required.

To assist project proponents with the review processes described above, we are providing the following map for known locations of winter hibernacula and maternity roost trees. Please note that this map only includes regulated sites. Please contact the USFWS for additional information, including project compliance with the ESA for the Northern Long-eared Bat.

A full screen map is also available and contains additional information, including the type of habitat (hibernacula or maternity roost tree) and whether the location is mapped as Priority Habitat.

Please note that this map is updated as new information is received. Last Updated June 12, 2019 (current as of March 2023).