WOODSTOCK — When six of Maine’s eight bat species were identified at Buck’s Ledge Community Forest, Marcel Polak, of the Woodstock Conservation Commission said, “I’m thrilled. It is just another example of this extraordinary natural resource/forest/recreational area … There are so many things that divide us now … it has just brought the community together.”

Polak said about three weeks ago, Cory Stearns, bat biologist at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, installed specialized microphones and recording devices in a very remote and inaccessible part of Buck’s Ledge and also others near the parking lot trailhead. He returned two weeks later to identify the high frequency calls.

“The results were very impressive,” said Polak, “We have six of the eight bat species found in Maine: Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus); Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus); Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii); Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus); Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans); and Eastern Red bat (Lasiurus borealis).”

The eastern small-footed bat is state threatened and only found in 14% of 161 sites analyzed. The average of bat species that they found was 3.6 species per site.

“Bats are a critically important part of the ecosystem and very beneficial to humans. One bat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an evening,” he said.

As with the peregrine falcons spotted in April, there is no specific management needed for the bats.

Instead, the Woodstock Conservation Commission – awarded the Spirit of America recognition this year – will continue to develop an old growth forest for the animals while also developing the summit for all, a trail and roadway that will be accessible to persons with disabilities.

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