November 3, 2025
Bats are an important part of a functioning ecosystem, and with natural habitats in decline, they need our help now more than ever. NMU has decided to welcome bats throughout campus by providing bat houses. Bat houses work by providing a safe, warm, and protected roosting site for bats, mimicking natural habitats like tree hollows. They are designed with specific features like rough interior surfaces for grip and a well-ventilated, appropriately-sized space that traps heat from the sun. With the right conditions, a bat house can provide a stable environment for raising young. These bat houses can be found near the Woodland Park, the Dome, and the Jacobetti complex.
NMU is also home to the endangered Northern long-eared bat. The bat typically overwinters in caves or mines and spends the remainder of the year in forested habitats. As its name suggests, the northern long-eared bat is distinguished by its long ears. There are many threats to the species, including disease (specifically white-nose syndrome), summer and winter habitat loss, and climate change. Adding bat houses helps provide a safe space for these bats to roost and raise their young.
