Endangered bat species in Ohio means no tree cutting | News, Sports, Jobs

On Apr 26, 2021

If you want to cut down a tree, April to October is probably the wrong time to do so.

That is according to Sarah Stankavich, bat survey coordinator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Various endangered species of bats are using trees to nest during that time, she said. By cutting down trees, it could be detrimental to the already dwindling species that call Ohio home.

Four species — the tri-colored bat, the little brown bat, the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat — are on the state’s endangered list. The northern long-eared also is on the federal endangered list.

From April 1 until Oct. 1, ODNR encourages that trees not be chopped because it not only removes the bats’ habitat, but it could kill bats sleeping in the trees. If a tree is cut and bats are killed, ODNR can go after those in violation, Stankavich said.

“If someone cuts down a tree and harms these species, we could pursue restitution charges against that person. It’s kind of ‘cut at your own risk,’” she said.

Stankavich said 10 species of bats are found in Ohio.