Death on the beach: Mass mortality of Eastern Red Bats over Lake Michigan

Authors

• Ashley K. Wilson*, Eastern Michigan University
• Allen Kurta, Eastern Michigan University
• Thomas Kovacs, Eastern Michigan University
• Bradford J. Westrich, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Kathryn M. Benavidez Westrich, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Robin M. Kurta, Beatty Early Learning Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Department/School

Biology

Publication Title

Journal of North American Bat Research

Abstract

On 29 July 2023, numerous dead bats washed onto the shore of Lake Michigan near Long Beach, Indiana. Based on our field observations, first-hand accounts of residents, and social media posts, hundreds of bats were involved. Almost all were Lasiurus borealis (Eastern Red Bats). The animals probably were part of an early migratory wave that encountered severe thunderstorms over the lake the previous night. Future weather-related mortality seems inevitable as surface temperatures of the Great Lakes rise and lead to an increased frequency and severity of storms, which may exacerbate the current downward trend in the number of Eastern Red Bats and possibly impact other species.

Comments

A. Kurta is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Biology.

T. Kovacs is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Geography and Geology.

*A. K. Wilson is an EMU student.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, A. K., Kurta, A., Kovacs, T., Westrich, B. J., Westrich, K. M. B., & Kurta, R. M. (2023). Death on the beach: Mass mortality of Eastern Red Bats over Lake Michigan. Journal of North American Bat Research Notes, 1(1), 1–6.