![Sarah Efron [Journalist]](../images/header.gif)
print stories| HOME |
| AUDIO |
| BLOG POSTS |
| ABOUT THE SITE |
Bat Hotels
Canadian Geographic, September/October 2002
After attending a mine-reclamation conference, Given, the site manager for Homestake Canada Nickel Plate mine, invited a representative from Texas-based Bat Conservation International (BCI) to see whether the tunnel would be suitable for bat habitat.
Underground mines make cozy homes for bats, whose traditional roosts in caves and old growth trees have been threatened by human activity. Faith Watkins of BCI says bat populations around the world are on the decline, partly because if repeatedly disturbed during hibernation, bats can use up their fat reserves and die.
“Mines provide habitats which are similar to caves,” she says. “The temperature inside is conducive to hibernation and can also be warm enough for them to form maternal colonies.”
Old mine entrances used to be simply sealed shut by mining companies, sometimes trapping bats inside. But now, many are taking bats into consideration when they close up shop. Placer Dome has installed two bat entrances at it’s Detour Lake gold mine northeast of Timmins, Ont., and the Cleveland Cliff’s Millie Hill iron mine in Michigan is home to almost a million of the nocturnal critters.
“Bats keep insect populations down,” says Given. “They’re beneficial animals, and if we can help them out, that’s great.”