BY JESSE TRAYLOR

In the heart of Kentucky, a crucial mission is underway to locate the elusive Indiana bat. It’s one of the 16 species of bat documented in the state, and, unfortunately, is also one of the three on the list considered endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Zack Couch, Executive Director of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (OKNP), is leading the charge with a team of experts focused on their survival. Beginning in mid-July 2025, Couch and his team from the Energy and Environment Cabinet started the process of bat surveys in Carter County. “We’ll continue surveying for two nights a week until we either capture an Indiana bat or reach August 15, the end of maternity season for the species,” he explained.

The sense of urgency prevalent among environmental researchers stems from the Indiana bat’s precarious status and its unique role in the ecosystem.

The bat was once plentiful. Now, their numbers have dwindled due to threats such as white-nose syndrome, a fungal infection that affects bats during hibernation. Despite this setback, Couch emphasized that Kentucky’s population has stabilized over the past few years. “If we can find Indiana bats, it indicates a healthy forest environment, providing them with roosting and foraging habitats,” he noted.

“We’re undertaking these surveys as part of an approach to endangered species conservation,” Couch explained. “The goal is to protect habitats proactively, offsetting potential environmental impacts from future development.”

At a passing glance, the survey process can be easily mistaken for straightforward trapping, but it’s much more than that. It’s a deliberate effort that requires deep knowledge of bat behavior and ecology. When scoping out a site, Couch and company choose sites rich in natural resources, like streams that provide a water and food source, ensuring the highest chance of dense bat activity. “Bats are incredibly intelligent and can adapt quickly, so we have to be strategic about where we set up our nets,” he shared.

Nets crafted from fine nylon are positioned where bats naturally forage, increasing their likelihood of capture. “There’s a bit of woodsmanship involved—understanding where and how to position ourselves for success is key,” Couch explained. Yet even with these efforts, only about 10% of bats are likely to be captured in the designated areas.

Once a bat is successfully captured, the procedure moves swiftly. The team prioritizes the safety of the bat and the handlers while collecting essential information, such as age, gender, and reproductive status. Once the data is collected, a special aluminum band is affixed to the bats to track their migration patterns and health over time. “It’s fascinating to see how far these bats travel—from Kentucky to Michigan, and even Pennsylvania,” Couch said.

Many people view bats as a nuisance, nothing more than aeronautical rodents with an annoyingly high-pitched squeak. Yet, they play an integral role in maintaining ecological balance. “Bats consume vast quantities of pest insects, which not only protect crops but also enhance our agricultural output,” Couch stated. His passion for protecting bat populations stems from a strong belief that their conservation benefits the entire ecosystem, including human communities. In conservation, every small effort counts.

As the sun sets in Kentucky, the team continues their diligent work into the night, contributing to a future where essential habitat is preserved and the Indiana bat can thrive once again.