Mines Become Bat Havens: Safety Gates Keep Humans Out

Across the United States, former gold, coal, and other mines are now serving as vital refuges for bats and a variety of other wildlife. These underground sites offer essential shelter in areas lacking natural caves, benefiting species like Townsend's big-eared bats and various Myotis species, especially in the western US. Conservationists are actively working to protect these unique habitats while mitigating risks to humans. Organizations are developing national inventories to map abandoned mine features and identify potential hazards. These efforts aim to prioritize sites needing safety upgrades, thereby reducing risks to the public and safeguarding underground ecosystems. Specialized "bat gates" are being installed to prevent human entry into dangerous mines while allowing bats unrestricted passage. This approach balances crucial public safety concerns with the ongoing need to protect underground wildlife habitats. The US Geological Survey's USMIN project is instrumental in this, building a national database to improve risk assessment and land management decisions concerning these abandoned sites. This initiative supports efforts to mitigate hazards and restore ecosystems, ensuring these former industrial sites continue to serve as important havens for biodiversity.