Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat With 4(d) Rule, 17973-18033 [2015-07069]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 63 (Thursday, April 2, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17973-18033]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07069]



[[Page 17973]]

Vol. 80

Thursday,

No. 63

April 2, 2015

Part V





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 17





Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species 
Status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat With 4(d) Rule; Final Rule and 
Interim Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 63 / Thursday, April 2, 2015 / Rules 
and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024; 4500030113]
RIN 1018-AY98


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species 
Status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat With 4(d) Rule

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule, and interim rule with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine 
threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(Act), as amended, for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis 
septentrionalis), a bat species that occurs in 37 States, the District 
of Columbia, and 13 Canadian Provinces. The effect of this final rule 
will be to add the northern long-eared bat to the List of Endangered 
and Threatened Wildlife.
    We are also establishing an interim rule under the authority of 
section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and 
advisable to provide for the conservation of the northern long-eared 
bat. We are seeking public comments on this interim rule, and we will 
publish either an affirmation of the interim rule or a final rule 
amending the interim rule after we consider all comments we receive. If 
you previously submitted comments or information on the proposed 4(d) 
rule we published on January 16, 2015, please do not resubmit them. We 
have incorporated them into the public record, and we will fully 
consider them in our final determination on the 4(d) rule.

DATES: Effective dates: The final rule amending 50 CFR 17.11 and the 
interim rule amending 50 CFR 17.40 are both effective May 4, 2015.
    Comments on the interim rule amending 50 CFR 17.40: We will accept 
comments on the interim rule amending 50 CFR 17.40 received or 
postmarked on or before July 1, 2015. Comments submitted electronically 
using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be 
received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.

ADDRESSES: Document availability: The final listing rule is available 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-
ES-2011-0024 and at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered. Comments and 
materials we received, as well as supporting documentation we used in 
preparing the final listing rule, are available for public inspection 
at https://www.regulations.gov, and by appointment, during normal 
business hours at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities 
Ecological Services Office, 4101 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 
55425; telephone (612) 725-3548, ext. 2201; or facsimile (612) 725-
3609.
    Comments on the interim rule amending 50 CFR 17.40: You may submit 
comments on the interim rule amending 50 CFR 17.40 by one of the 
following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024, 
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then click on the 
Search button. Please ensure that you have located the correct document 
before submitting your comments. You may submit a comment by clicking 
on ``Comment Now!''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public 
Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024; Division of Policy, 
Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by one of the methods 
described above. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any 
personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments Solicited 
on the Interim 4(d) Rule section, below, for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Mandell, Deputy Field Supervisor, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities Ecological Services Field 
Office, 4101 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425; telephone 
(612) 725-3548, ext. 2201; or facsimile (612) 725-3609. Persons who use 
a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

Final Listing Rule

    Why we need to publish a rule: Under the Endangered Species Act, a 
species may warrant protection through listing if it is endangered or 
threatened throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 
Listing a species as an endangered or threatened species can only be 
completed by issuing a rule. This rule will finalize the listing of the 
northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as a threatened 
species.
    The basis for our action: Under the Endangered Species Act, we can 
determine that a species is an endangered or threatened species based 
on any of five factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) 
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors 
affecting its continued existence. We have determined that white-nose 
syndrome is the predominant threat to the species.
    Peer review and public comment: We sought comments from independent 
specialists to ensure that our designation is based on scientifically 
sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We invited these peer reviewers 
to comment on our listing proposal. We also considered all comments and 
information we received during the comment periods.

Interim 4(d) Rule

    The need for the regulatory action and how the action will meet 
that need: Consistent with section 4(d) of the Act, this interim 4(d) 
rule provides measures that are tailored to our current understanding 
of the conservation needs of the northern long-eared bat.
    Statement of legal authority for the regulatory action: Under 
section 4(d) of the Act, the Secretary of the Interior has discretion 
to issue such regulations as she deems necessary and advisable to 
provide for the conservation of the species. The Secretary also has the 
discretion to prohibit by regulation with respect to a threatened 
species, any act prohibited by section 9(a)(1) of the Act.
    Summary of the major provisions of the regulatory action: The 
interim species-specific 4(d) rule prohibits purposeful take of 
northern long-eared bats throughout the species' range, except in 
instances of removal of northern long-eared bats from human structures 
and authorized capture and handling of northern long-eared bat by 
individuals permitted to conduct these same activities for other bats 
(for a period of 1 year after the effective date of the interim 4(d) 
rule).
    In areas not yet affected by white nose syndrome (WNS), a disease 
currently affecting many U.S. bat populations, all incidental take 
resulting from any otherwise lawful activity will be excepted from 
prohibition.
    In areas currently known to be affected by WNS, all incidental take 
prohibitions apply, except that take

[[Page 17975]]

attributable to forest management practices, maintenance and limited 
expansion of transportation and utility rights-of-way, prairie habitat 
management, and limited tree removal projects shall be excepted from 
the take prohibition, provided these activities protect known maternity 
roosts and hibernacula. Further, removal of hazardous trees for the 
protection of human life or property shall be excepted from the take 
prohibition.

Previous Federal Action

    Please refer to the proposed listing rule for the northern long-
eared bat (78 FR 61046; October 2, 2013) for a detailed description of 
previous Federal actions concerning this species. On October 2, 2013, 
we published in the Federal Register (78 FR 61046) a proposed rule to 
list the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species under the 
Act. The proposed rule had a 60-day comment period, ending on December 
2, 2013. On December 2, 2013, we extended this comment period through 
January 2, 2014 (78 FR 72058). On June 30, 2014, we announced a 6-month 
extension of the final determination on the proposed listing rule for 
northern long-eared bat, and we reopened the public comment period on 
the proposed rule for 60 days, ending August 29, 2014 (79 FR 36698). On 
November 18, 2014, we again reopened the comment period on the proposed 
listing for an additional 30 days, ending December 18, 2014 (79 FR 
68657). During the comment period we received one request for a public 
hearing, which was held in Sundance, Wyoming, on December 2, 2014. On 
January 16, 2015, we published a proposed rule to create a species-
specific rule under section 4(d) of the Act (a ``4(d) rule'') that 
would provide measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for 
the conservation of the northern long-eared bat, if it were to be 
listed as a threatened species (80 FR 2371). At that time, we also 
reopened the public comment period on the October 2, 2013, proposed 
listing rule; we accepted public comments on both proposals for 60 
days, ending March 17, 2015.

Background

Taxonomy and Species Description

    The northern long-eared bat belongs to the order Chiroptera, 
suborder Microchiroptera, family Vespertilionidae, subfamily 
Vespertilioninae, genus Myotis, and subgenus Myotis (Caceres and 
Barclay 2000, p. 1). The northern long-eared bat was considered a 
subspecies of Keen's long-eared myotis (Myotis keenii) (Fitch and 
Schump 1979, p. 1), but was recognized as a distinct species by van 
Zyll de Jong in 1979 (1979, p. 993), based on geographic separation and 
difference in morphology (as cited in Caceres and Pybus 1997 p. 1; 
Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 1; Nagorsen and Brigham 1993, p. 87; 
Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 99; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207; 
Simmons 2005, p. 516). The northern long-eared bat is currently 
considered a monotypic species, with no subspecies described for this 
species (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 1; Nagorsen and Brigham 1993, p. 
90; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 214; van Zyll de Jong 1985, p. 94). 
Reynolds (2013, pers. comm.) stated that there have been very few 
genetic studies on this species; however, data collected in Ohio 
suggest relatively low levels of genetic differentiation across that 
State (Arnold 2007, p. 157). In addition, Johnson et al. (2014, 
upaginated) assessed nuclear genetic diversity at one site in New York 
and several sites in West Virginia, and found little evidence of 
population structure in northern long-eared bats at any scale. This 
species has been recognized by different common names, such as: Keen's 
bat (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 99), northern myotis (Nagorsen and 
Brigham 1993, p. 87; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207), and the 
northern bat (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 660). For the purposes of this 
finding, we refer to this species as the northern long-eared bat, and 
recognize it as a listable entity under the Act.
    A medium-sized bat species, the northern long-eared bat's adult 
body weight averages 5 to 8 grams (g) (0.2 to 0.3 ounces), with females 
tending to be slightly larger than males (Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 
3). Average body length ranges from 77 to 95 millimeters (mm) (3.0 to 
3.7 inches (in)), tail length between 35 and 42 mm (1.3 to 1.6 in), 
forearm length between 34 and 38 mm (1.3 to 1.5 in), and wingspread 
between 228 and 258 mm (8.9 to 10.2 in) (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 
1; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 76). Pelage (fur) colors include medium 
to dark brown on its back; dark brown, but not black, ears and wing 
membranes; and tawny to pale-brown fur on the ventral side (Nagorsen 
and Brigham 1993, p. 87; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207). As 
indicated by its common name, the northern long-eared bat is 
distinguished from other Myotis species by its relatively long ears 
(average 17 mm (0.7 in); Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207) that, when 
laid forward, extend beyond the nose up to 5 mm (0.2 in; Caceres and 
Barclay 2000, p. 1). The tragus (projection of skin in front of the 
external ear) is long (average 9 mm (0.4 in); Whitaker and Mumford 
2009, p. 207), pointed, and symmetrical (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993, p. 
87; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207). There is an occasional tendency 
for the northern long-eared bat to exhibit a slight keel on the calcar 
(spur of cartilage arising from inner side of ankle; Nagorsen and 
Brigham 1993, p. 87). This can add some uncertainty in distinguishing 
northern long-eared bats from other sympatric Myotis species (Lacki 
2013, pers. comm.). Within its range, the northern long-eared bat can 
be confused with the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) or the western 
long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis). The northern long-eared bat can be 
distinguished from the little brown bat by its longer ears, tapered and 
symmetrical tragus, slightly longer tail, and less glossy pelage 
(Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 1; Kurta 2013, pers. comm.). The northern 
long-eared bat can be distinguished from the western long-eared myotis 
by its darker pelage and paler membranes (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 
1).

Distribution and Relative Abundance

    The northern long-eared bat ranges across much of the eastern and 
north-central United States, and all Canadian provinces west to the 
southern Yukon Territory and eastern British Columbia (Nagorsen and 
Brigham 1993, p. 89; Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 1; Environment Yukon 
2011, p. 10) (see Figure 1, below). In the United States, the species' 
range reaches from Maine west to Montana, south to eastern Kansas, 
eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and east to South Carolina (Whitaker and 
Hamilton 1998, p. 99; Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 2; Simmons 2005, p. 
516; Amelon and Burhans 2006, pp. 71-72). The species' range includes 
all or portions of the following 37 States and the District of 
Columbia: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, 
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, 
Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North 
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, 
South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, 
and Wyoming.
    The October 2, 2013, proposed listing rule included Florida within 
the range of the northern long-eared bat; however, since that time we 
have learned that the species was known from only a single historical 
winter (1954) record in

[[Page 17976]]

Jackson County, Florida, and all other historical and recent surveys at 
this cave and 12 other caves (all in Jackson County) since this record 
was observed have not found the northern long-eared bat. Further, there 
are no known summer records for the State (Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission 2013, in litt.). Historically, the species has 
been most frequently observed in the northeastern United States and in 
the Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, with sightings increasing 
during swarming and hibernation periods (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 
2). Much of the available data on northern long-eared bats are from 
winter surveys, although they are typically observed in low numbers 
because of their preference for inconspicuous roosts (Caceres and Pybus 
1997, p. 2) (for more information on use of hibernacula, see Biology, 
below). More than 1,100 northern long-eared bat hibernacula have been 
identified throughout the species' range in the United States, although 
many hibernacula contain only a few (1 to 3) individuals (Whitaker and 
Hamilton 1998, p. 100). Known hibernacula (sites with one or more 
winter records of northern long-eared bats) include: Alabama (2), 
Arkansas (41), Connecticut (8), Delaware (2), Georgia (3), Illinois 
(21), Indiana (25), Kentucky (119), Maine (3), Maryland (8), 
Massachusetts (7), Michigan (103), Minnesota (11), Missouri (more than 
269), Nebraska (2), New Hampshire (11), New Jersey (7), New York (90), 
North Carolina (22), Oklahoma (9), Ohio (7), Pennsylvania (112), South 
Carolina, (2), South Dakota (21), Tennessee (58), Vermont (16), 
Virginia (8), West Virginia (104), and Wisconsin (67). Northern long-
eared bats are documented in hibernacula in 29 of the 37 States in the 
species' range. Other States within the species' range have no known 
hibernacula (due to no suitable hibernacula present, lack of survey 
effort, or existence of unknown retreats).
    For purposes of organization, the U.S. portion of the northern 
long-eared bat's range is discussed below in four parts: eastern range, 
midwest range, southern range, and western range. In these sections, we 
have identified the species' historical status, in addition to its 
current status within each State. For those States where white-nose 
syndrome (WNS) has been detected (see Table 1), we have assessed the 
impact the disease has had on the northern long-eared bat's 
distribution and relative abundance to date. For a discussion on 
anticipated spread of WNS to currently unaffected States, see ``White-
nose Syndrome'' and ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern 
Long-eared Bat'' under the Factor C discussion.
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02AP15.003

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Eastern Range
    For purposes of organization in this rule, the eastern geographic 
area includes the following States and the District of Columbia: 
Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, 
and Rhode Island. Historically, the northern long-eared bat was widely 
distributed in the eastern part of its range (Caceres and Barclay 2000, 
p. 2). Prior to documentation of WNS, northern long-eared bats were 
consistently caught during summer mist-net surveys and detected during 
acoustic surveys in the eastern United States (Service 2014, 
unpublished data). Northern long-eared bats continue to be distributed 
across much of the historical range, but there are many gaps within the 
range where bats are no longer detected or captured, and in other 
areas, their occurrence is sparse. Similar to summer distribution, 
northern long-eared bats were known to occur in many hibernacula 
throughout the East. Since WNS has been

[[Page 17977]]

documented, multiple hibernacula now have zero reported northern long-
eared bats. Frick et al. (2015, p. 6) documented the local extinction 
of northern long-eared bats from 69 percent of sites included in their 
analyses (468 sites where WNS has been present for at least 4 years in 
Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and 
Virginia).
    In Delaware, the species is rare, but has been found at two 
hibernacula within the State during winter or fall swarming periods. 
Summer mist-net surveys have documented 14 individuals all from New 
Castle County, and there is also a historical record from this county 
in 1974 (Niederriter 2012, pers. comm.; Delaware Division of Fish and 
Wildlife 2014, in litt.). WNS was confirmed in the State in the winter 
of 2009-2010, and WNS was confirmed in Delaware in the two northern 
long-eared bat hibernacula during the winters of 2011-2012 and 2012-
2013 (Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife 2014, in litt.). Mortality 
of northern long-eared bats due to WNS has been documented at both of 
these hibernacula during winter surveys.
    In Connecticut, the northern long-eared bat was historically one of 
the most commonly encountered bats in the State, and was documented 
Statewide (Dickson 2011, pers. comm.). WNS was first confirmed in 
Connecticut in the winter of 2008-2009. Prior to WNS detection in 
Connecticut, northern long-eared bats were found in large numbers 
(e.g., often greater than 400 and up to 1,000 individuals) in 
hibernacula; however, no northern long-eared bats were found in any of 
the eight known hibernacula in the State (where the species was found 
prior to WNS) in 2012 or 2013 surveys (Service 2015, unpublished data).
    In Maine, three bat hibernacula are known, and northern long-eared 
bats have been observed in all of these sites. The species has also 
been found in the summer in Acadia National Park (DePue 2012, 
unpublished data), where northern long-eared bats were fairly common in 
2009-2010 (242 northern long-eared bats captured, comprising 27 percent 
of the total captures for the areas surveyed) (National Park Service 
(NPS) 2010, unpublished data). Recent findings from Acadia National 
Park show a precipitous decline in the northern long-eared bat 
population in less than 4 years, based on mist-net surveys conducted 
2008-2014 (NPS 2014, in litt.). WNS was first confirmed in the State in 
the winter of 2010-2011. Prior to WNS, the northern long-eared bat was 
found in numbers greater than 100 at two of the three regularly 
surveyed hibernacula; however, in 2013, only one northern long-eared 
bat was found during surveys conducted at all three of the State's 
primary hibernacula (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 
(MDIFW) 2013, in litt.). In addition, the northern long-eared bat was 
infrequently found in summer acoustic surveys conducted in the State in 
2013, which contrasts with widespread, frequent acoustic detections of 
Myotis species and mist net captures of northern long-eared bats prior 
to WNS impact (MDIFW 2015, in litt.).
    In Maryland, there are eight known hibernacula for the northern 
long-eared bat, three of which are railroad tunnels (Maryland 
Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) 2014, unpublished data). WNS 
was first confirmed in Maryland in the winter of 2009-2010. In all five 
of the known caves or mines in the State, the species is thought to be 
extirpated due to WNS (MD DNR 2014, unpublished data). It is unknown if 
the species is extirpated from the known railroad tunnel hibernacula in 
the State, primarily because the majority of bats in these hibernacula 
are not visible or accessible during winter hibernacula surveys; 
however, no northern long-eared bats have been observed in accessible 
areas in these tunnel hibernacula during recent winter surveys (MD DNR 
2014, unpublished data). Acoustic surveys conducted since 2010 (pre- 
and post-WNS) in the western portion of Maryland have also demonstrated 
northern long-eared bat declines due to WNS (MD DNR 2014, unpublished 
data).
    In Massachusetts, there are seven known hibernacula. WNS was first 
confirmed in the State in the winter of 2007-2008. Previous to WNS 
confirmation in the State, the northern long-eared bat was found in 
relatively larger numbers for the species in some hibernacula. In 2013 
and 2014 winter surveys conducted in Massachusetts hibernacula, either 
zero or one northern long-eared bat individual were found in all known 
hibernacula (Service 2015, unpublished data).
    In New Hampshire, northern long-eared bats were known to inhabit at 
least nine mines and two World War II bunkers, and have been found in 
summer surveys (Brunkhurst 2012, unpublished data). The northern long-
eared bat was one of the most common species captured (27 percent of 
captures) in the White Mountain National Forest in 1993-1994 (Sasse and 
Pekins 1996, pp. 93-95). WNS was confirmed in the State in the winter 
of 2008-2009. Data from both hibernacula surveys and summer surveys 
have shown a dramatic decline (99 percent) in northern long-eared bat 
numbers compared to pre-WNS numbers (NHFG 2013, in litt.). Results from 
hibernacula surveys conducted at four of New Hampshire's hibernacula in 
2014 found no northern long-eared bats; previous to WNS infection, the 
species was found in relatively high numbers (e.g., 75-127 individuals) 
in most of these hibernacula. Furthermore, a researcher conducted mist-
net surveys over 7 years pre-and post-WNS (2005-2011) at Surry Mountain 
Lake in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and found a 98 percent decline 
in capture rate of northern long-eared bats (Moosman et al. 2013, p. 
554).
    In New Jersey, one of the seven known northern long-eared bat 
hibernacula is a cave, and the rest are mines (Markuson 2011, 
unpublished data). Northern long-eared bats consisted of 6 to 14 
percent of the total number of summer captures at Wallkill River 
National Wildlife Refuge from 2006-2010 (Kitchell and Wight 2011, in 
litt.). WNS was first confirmed in the State in the winter of 2008-
2009. There have been limited consistent hibernacula and summer surveys 
conducted in the State to enable analyses of northern long-eared bat 
population trends pre- and post-WNS. Although small sample sizes 
precluded statistical comparison, Kitchell and Wight (2011, in litt.) 
and Bohrman and Fecske (2013, p. 77) documented a slight, overall 
decline in annual northern long-eared bat mist-net captures at Great 
Swamp National Wildlife Refuge following the outbreak of WNS. For 3 
years prior to the disease's local emergence (2006-2008), northern 
long-eared bats represented 8-9 percent of total bats captured. 
Although the northern long-eared bat capture rate rose to 14 percent in 
2009, it dropped to 6 percent in 2010, and further to 2 percent in 
2012, suggesting a downward trend.
    Historically, the northern long-eared bat was found in both summer 
and winter surveys conducted across Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Game 
Commission (PGC) 2014, in litt.). Historically, the species was found 
in 112 hibernacula in the State. Fall swarm trapping conducted in 
September and October of 1988-1989, 1990-1991, and 1999-2000 at two 
hibernacula with large historical numbers of northern long-eared bats 
had total captures ranging from 6 to 30 bats per hour, which 
demonstrated that the species was abundant at these hibernacula (PGC 
2012, unpublished data). WNS was first confirmed in the State in 2008-
2009. Since that time, northern long-eared bat

[[Page 17978]]

winter survey numbers declined by 99 percent, in comparison to pre-WNS 
numbers (PGC 2014, in litt.; PGC 2014, unpublished data). Currently, 
the northern long-eared bat can still be found in portions of 
Pennsylvania during the summer; however, the number of summer captures 
continues to decline. The number of summer captures has declined an 
additional 15 percent annually, amounting to an overall decline of 76 
percent (not including survey information from 2014) from pre-WNS 
capture rates. The PGC stated that the data support that the decline is 
attributable to WNS, rather than a lack of habitat or other direct 
impacts (PGC 2014, in litt.).
    In Vermont, the northern long-eared bat was once one of the State's 
most common bats, but is now its rarest (Vermont Fish and Wildlife 
Department (VFWD) 2014, in litt.). Prior to 2009, the species was found 
in 16 hibernacula, totaling an estimated 458 animals, which was thought 
to be an underestimate due to the species' preference for hibernating 
in hibernacula cracks and crevices (VFWD 2014, unpublished data). WNS 
was confirmed in Vermont in the winter of 2007-2008. According to the 
VFWD, it is believed that all of the State's caves and mines that serve 
as bat hibernacula are infected with WNS. State-wide hibernacula, 
summer mist-net, and acoustic and fall swarm data collected in 2010 
documented 93-100 percent declines in northern long-eared bat 
populations post-WNS (VFWD 2014, in litt.). In most recent surveys, few 
northern long-eared bats were found in three hibernacula in 2012-2013; 
however no individuals were found in any surveyed hibernacula in 2013-
2014 winter surveys. Prior to WNS detection, summer capture data (from 
2001-2007) indicated that northern long-eared bats comprised 19 percent 
of bats captured, and the northern long-eared bat was considered the 
second most common bat species in the State (Smith 2011, unpublished 
data). As for fall swarm data, in 2013, capture surveys at Aeolus Cave 
captured and identified 465 bats, only 3 of which were northern long-
eared bats (VFWD 2014, in litt.).
    In Virginia, the northern long-eared bat was historically 
considered ``fairly common'' during summer mist-net surveys; however, 
they were considered ``uncommon'' during winter hibernacula surveys and 
have been found in eight hibernacula (Reynolds 2012, unpublished data). 
WNS was first confirmed in Virginia in 2008-2009. Prior to WNS 
detection in the State (prior to 2011), 1.4 northern long-eared bats 
were captured per 1,000 units of effort during summer mist-net surveys 
conducted at sites Statewide. In 2011, there was an increase in 
captures, with 3.1 bats captured per unit effort. However, in 2013 in 
the same survey areas, 0.05 northern long-eared bats were captured per 
1,000 units of effort, which amounts to a 96 percent decline in the 
population (Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) 
2014, unpublished data). In 2013, over 85 percent of summer surveys 
resulted in no northern long-eared bat captures. Fall swarm trends have 
been similar, with capture rates per hour declining from 3.6 in 2009, 
to 0.3 in 2012, amounting to a decline of 92 percent (VDGIF 2014, 
unpublished data).
    In West Virginia, northern long-eared bats were historically found 
regularly in hibernacula surveys, but typically in small numbers (fewer 
than 20 individuals) in caves (Stihler 2012, unpublished data). The 
species has also been found in 41 abandoned coal mines during fall 
swarming surveys conducted from 2002 to 2011, in the New River Gorge 
National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area, both managed 
by the NPS; the largest number observed was 157 in one of the NPS mines 
(NPS 2011, unpublished data). The species has been found in 104 total 
hibernacula in the State. WNS was first documented in hibernacula in 
the eastern portion of West Virginia in the winter of 2008-2009. 
Similar to some other WNS-affected States, northern long-eared bats can 
still be found across the State (similar pre- and post-WNS 
distribution); however, it is unclear if northern long-eared bat 
abundance is greater in West Virginia than other WNS-affected States 
and, therefore, whether WNS impacts are less severe to date. Across the 
State, northern long-eared bat summer captures decreased from 32.5 
percent in 2008, and 33.8 percent in 2011, to around 20 percent for all 
subsequent years (West Virginia Division of Natural Resources 2014, 
unpublished data). However, percent capture data alone does not 
indicate whether the northern long-eared bat is declining in the State, 
especially if all bat captures are declining, as it only indicates 
their abundance relative to other bat species. Standardized catch per 
unit effort or other similar data are necessary to make population 
trend comparisons over time. Francl et al. (2012, p. 35) standardized 
data by captures per net night from 37 counties (31 counties pre-WNS 
(1997-2008) and 8 counties in 2010) in West Virginia, and had 1.4 
captures per net-night pre-WNS and 0.3 captures per net night post-WNS. 
At one site monitored over time (Monongahela National Forest), average 
northern long-eared bat calls per mile of acoustic route declined by 
31-81 percent (depending on software package used) from 2009-2012 
(Johnson et al. 2014, unpaginated). Similarly, mist-net capture rates 
declined by 93 percent from 2006-2008 to 2014 (Johnson et al. 2014, 
unpaginated). Overall, although northern long-eared bats are still 
captured across West Virginia (i.e., they have a similar distribution 
as they did pre-WNS), there are marked declines in capture rates.
    In New York, the northern long-eared bat was historically one of 
the most widely distributed hibernating bat species in the State, 
identified in 90 out of 146 known bat hibernacula (New York State 
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) 2014, in litt.). The 
species has also been observed in summer mist-net and acoustic surveys. 
Summer mist-net surveys conducted in New York (primarily for Indiana 
bat (Myotis sodalis) presence-absence surveys) from 2003-2008 resulted 
in a range of 0.21-0.47 northern long-eared bats per net night, and 
declined to 0.01 bats per net night in 2011 (Herzog 2012, unpublished 
data). New York is considered the epicenter for WNS, and the disease 
was first found in the State in the winter of 2006-2007. The NYSDEC 
confirmed that the decline experienced by this species due to WNS is 
both widespread and severe in the State (NYSDEC 2014, in litt.). Most 
hibernacula surveys conducted after the onset of WNS (2008 through 
2013) found either one or zero northern long-eared bats (Service 2015, 
unpublished data). There are few long-term data sets for northern long-
eared bats across the State, but one such site is the Fort Drum 
Military Installation, where acoustic surveys and mist-net surveys have 
monitored summer populations before (2003-2007) and after the onset of 
WNS (2008-2010). Ford et al. (2011, p. 130) reported significant 
declines (pre- vs. post-WNS) in mean acoustic call rates for northern 
long-eared bats as a part of this study at Fort Drum. No northern long-
eared bats have been captured in mist-nets on Fort Drum since 2011.
    There are two known hibernacula for bats in Rhode Island; however, 
no northern long-eared bats have been observed at either of these. 
There is also limited summer data available for the State; however, 
there were six summer records of northern long-eared bats from 2011 
mist-net surveys in Washington County (Brown 2012, unpublished data).
    We have no information regarding the species in the District of 
Columbia;

[[Page 17979]]

however WNS is presumed to be impacting the species because WNS occurs 
in all neighboring States.
Midwest Range
    For purposes of organization in this rule, the midwestern 
geographic area includes the following States: Missouri, Illinois, 
Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The species is 
captured during summer mist-net surveys in varying abundance throughout 
most of the Midwest, and historically was considered one of the more 
frequently encountered bat species in the region. However, the species 
was historically observed infrequently and in small numbers during 
hibernacula surveys throughout the majority of its range in the 
Midwest. WNS has since been documented in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, 
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. In Minnesota and Iowa, the presence 
of the fungus that causes WNS has been confirmed, but the disease 
itself has not been observed. Overall, clear declines in winter 
populations of northern long-eared bats have been observed in Ohio and 
Illinois (Service 2014, unpublished data).
    There are no firm population size estimates for the northern long-
eared bat rangewide; nor do we have the benefit of a viability 
analysis; however, a rough estimate of the population size in a portion 
of the Midwest has been calculated. That estimate shows there may have 
been more than four million bats in the six-State area that includes 
the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri 
(Meinke 2015, pers. comm.). This population size estimate (for the 
northern long-eared bat) was developed for the Midwest Wind Energy 
Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and was calculated by 
adjusting the 2013 Indiana bat winter population size (within the 6 
States) based on the ratio of northern long-eared bats compared to 
Indiana bats in summer mist-net surveys. This estimate has limitations, 
however. The principal limitation is that the estimate is based on data 
that were primarily gathered prior to the onset of WNS in the Midwest; 
thus declines that have occurred in WNS-affected States are not 
reflected in the estimated number. Taking into account the documented 
effects of WNS in the Midwest to date (declines currently limited 
primarily to Ohio and Illinois), there may still be several million 
bats within the six-State area. Because post-WNS survey numbers for the 
species have not been included in this population estimate and WNS 
continues to spread throughout these 6 States, there is uncertainty as 
to the accuracy of this estimate, and it should be considered a rough 
estimate.
    The northern long-eared bat has been documented in 76 of 114 
counties in Missouri; its abundance in the summer is variable across 
the State and is likely related to the presence of suitable forest 
habitat and fidelity to historical summer areas. There are 
approximately 269 known northern long-eared bat hibernacula that are 
concentrated in the karst landscapes (characterized by underground 
drainage systems with sinkholes and caves) of central, eastern, and 
southern Missouri (Missouri Department of Conservation 2014, in litt.). 
Similar to other more predominantly karst areas, the northern long-
eared bat is difficult to find in Missouri caves, and thus is rarely 
found in large numbers. Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) was first 
detected in Missouri in the winter of 2009-2010; however, the majority 
of sites in the State that have been confirmed with WNS were confirmed 
more recently, during the winter of 2013-2014. Due to low numbers 
historically found in hibernacula in the State, it is difficult to 
determine if changes in count numbers are due to natural fluctuations 
or to WNS. However, there was one northern long-eared bat mortality 
observed during the winter of 2013-2014 (WNS Workshop 2014, pers. 
comm.). Furthermore, Elliott (2015, pers. comm.) noted that surveyors 
are detecting indicators of decline (changes in bat behavior) as well 
as actual declines in numbers of northern long-eared bats in 
hibernacula in the State. As for summer survey data, mist-net and 
acoustic surveys conducted across Missouri in the summer of 2014 
indicate continued distribution throughout the State. However, there 
were fewer encounters with northern long-eared bats in some parts of 
the State in 2014, as compared to previous years. Specifically, surveys 
conducted on the Mark Twain National Forest in 2014 indicate a decline 
in the overall number of captures of all bat species, including fewer 
northern long-eared bats than expected (Amelon 2014, pers. comm.; 
Harris 2014, pers. comm.). Further, in southwest Missouri, northern 
long-eared bats have been encountered during mist-net surveys conducted 
on the Camp Crowder Training Site in 2006, 2013, and 2014. Overall, the 
number of northern long-eared bat captures has decreased since 2006, 
relative to the level of survey effort (number of net nights) (Missouri 
Army National Guard 2014, pp. 2-3; Robbins and Parris 2013, pp. 2-4, 
Robbins et al. 2014, p. 5). Additionally, during a 2-year survey (2013-
2014) at a State park in north-central Missouri, 108 northern long-
eared bats were captured during the first year, whereas only 32 were 
captured during the second year, with a similar level of effort between 
years (Zimmerman 2014, unpublished data).
    In Illinois, northern long-eared bats have been found in both 
winter hibernacula counts and summer mist-net surveys. Northern long-
eared bats have been documented in 21 hibernacula in Illinois, most of 
which are in the southern portion of the State (Davis 2014, p. 5). 
Counts of more than 100 bats have been documented in some hibernacula, 
and a high of 640 bats was observed in a southern Illinois hibernaculum 
in 2005; however, much lower numbers of northern long-eared bats have 
been observed in most Illinois hibernacula (Service 2015, unpublished 
data). WNS was first discovered in the State during the winter of 2012-
2013. Mortality of northern long-eared bats was observed 1 year later, 
during the winter of 2013-2014, at two of the State's major 
hibernacula, which are in the central part of the State. At one 
hibernaculum, there was a drop-off in numbers of northern long-eared 
bats observed over the winter, with 371 individuals occupying the 
hibernaculum in November of 2013, and by March of 2014, there were 10 
individuals, which amounts to a 97 percent decline (Davis 2014, pp. 6-
18). At the other hibernaculum, in March of 2013, there were 716 
northern long-eared bats counted; in November of 2013, there were 171 
individuals; and in March of 2014, there were 3 individuals, with a 
decline of over 99 percent (Davis 2014, pp. 6-18).
    During the summer, northern long-eared bats have been observed in 
landscapes with a variety of forest cover throughout Illinois. Surveys 
conducted across the State, related to highway projects and research 
activities, resulted in the capture of northern long-eared bats in 
moderately forested counties in western and eastern Illinois (e.g., 
Adams, Brown, and Edgar Counties), as well as in northern counties 
where forests are highly limited (e.g., Will and Kankakee Counties) 
(Mengelkoch 2014, unpublished data; Powers 2014, unpublished data). 
Pre-WNS, northern long-eared bats were regularly caught in mist-net 
surveys in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois (Kath 2013, 
pers. comm.). The average number of northern long-eared bats caught 
during surveys between 1999 and 2011 at Oakwood Bottoms in the Shawnee 
National Forest was fairly consistent (Carter 2012, pers. comm.). 
Summer bat surveys in 2007 and 2009

[[Page 17980]]

at Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County resulted in a low numbers 
of captures (a few individuals) of northern long-eared bats, and, in 
2014, no northern long-eared bats were encountered (Department of the 
Air Force 2007, pp. 10-14; Department of the Air Force 2010, pp. 11-
12). Overall, summer surveys from Illinois have not documented a 
decline due to WNS to date.
    In Iowa, there are only summer mist-net records for the northern 
long-eared bat, and the species has not been documented in hibernacula 
in the State. Northern long-eared bats have been recorded during many 
mist-net surveys since the 1970s. Recent records include documented 
captures in 13 of 99 counties across the central and southeastern 
portions of the State. In 2011, 8 individuals (including 3 lactating 
females) were captured in west-central Iowa (Howell 2011, unpublished 
data). During summer 2014, one nonreproductive female was tracked to a 
roost in Fremont County in southwest Iowa (Environmental Solutions and 
Innovations, Inc. 2014, pp. 52-56). In Scott County, southeastern Iowa, 
four female northern long-eared bats (two pregnant and two 
nonreproductive) were captured in June 2014, along the Wapsi River 
(Chenger and Tyburec 2014, p. 6). WNS has not been detected in Iowa to 
date; however, the fungus that causes WNS was first found at a 
hibernaculum in Iowa in the winter of 2011-2012.
    Northern long-eared bats have been observed in both winter 
hibernacula surveys and, more commonly, in summer surveys in Indiana. 
Indiana has 25 known hibernacula with winter records of one or more 
northern long-eared bat. However, it is difficult to find large numbers 
of individuals in caves and mines during hibernation in Indiana 
(Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 208). Therefore, reliable winter 
population estimates are largely lacking in Indiana. WNS was confirmed 
in the State in the winter of 2010-2011. Although population trends are 
difficult to assess because of historically low numbers, mortality of 
northern long-eared bats due to WNS has been confirmed in the State 
(WNS Workshop 2014, pers. comm.). Historically, the northern long-eared 
bat was considered common throughout much of Indiana, and was the 
fourth or fifth most abundant bat species captured during summer 
surveys in the State in 2009. The species has been captured in at least 
51 of 92 counties, often captured in mist-nets along streams, and was 
the most common bat taken by trapping at mine entrances (Whitaker and 
Mumford 2009, pp. 207-208). The abundance of northern long-eared bats 
appears to vary geographically within Indiana during the summer. For 
example, during three summers (1990, 1991, and 1992) of mist-netting in 
the northern half of Indiana, 37 northern long-eared bats were captured 
at 22 of 127 survey sites, and they only represented 4 percent of all 
bats captured (King 1993, p. 10). In contrast, northern long-eared bats 
were the most commonly captured bat species (38 percent of all bats 
captured) during three summers (2006, 2007, and 2008) of mist-netting 
on two State forests in south-central Indiana (Sheets et al. 2013, p. 
193). The differences in abundance in north versus south Indiana are 
due to there being few hibernacula in northern Indiana; consequently, 
migration distances to suitable hibernacula are great, and the species 
is not as common in summer surveys in the northern as in the southern 
portion of the State (Kurta 2013, in litt.). Long-term summer mist-
netting surveys in Indiana have started to show a potential downward 
trend in northern long-eared bat numbers (e.g., Indianapolis airport 
project, Interstate Highway 69 project; Service 2015, unpublished 
data); however, there was fluctuation in the count numbers from these 
surveys prior to WNS detection in the State, and it may be too early to 
confirm a downward trend based on these data. In Indiana, the Hardwood 
Ecosystem Experiment has collected summer mist-net data from 2006 
through 2014 for the northern long-eared bat in Morgan-Monroe and 
Yellowwood State Forests, and has found consistent numbers of bats 
captured to date (Service 2015, unpublished data).
    In Ohio, there are seven known hibernacula (Norris 2014, 
unpublished data) used by northern long-eared bat, and the species is 
regularly collected Statewide as incidental catches in summer mist-net 
surveys for Indiana bats (Boyer 2012, pers. comm.). WNS was first 
detected in the State in the winter of 2010-2011. Two hibernacula in 
Ohio contained approximately 90 percent of the State's overall winter 
bat population prior to WNS detection. The pre-WNS combined population 
average (5 years of survey data) for both sites was 282 northern long-
eared bats, which declined to 17 northern long-eared bats in winter 
2013-2014 (post-WNS). This amounts to a decline of northern long-eared 
bats from pre-WNS numbers of 90 percent in one of the hibernacula and 
100 percent in the other (Norris 2014, pp. 19-20; Ohio Department of 
Natural Resources (ODNR) 2014, unpublished data). The (ODNR) conducted 
Statewide summer acoustic surveys along driving transects across the 
State from 2011 to 2014. Although they have not yet analyzed calls for 
individual species, such as the northern long-eared bat, initial 
results indicate a 56 percent decline in recorded Myotis bat species' 
calls over the 3-year period (ODNR 2014, unpublished data). Capture 
rates from mist-net surveys, which were primarily conducted to 
determine Indiana bat presence, were conducted pre-WNS detection in 
Ohio (2007-2011) and were compared to capture rates post-WNS (2012-
2013), and it was found that capture rates of northern long-eared bats 
declined by 58 percent per mist-net site post-WNS (Service 2015, 
unpublished data). Several parks in Summit County, Ohio, have been 
conducting mist-net surveys for northern long-eared bats (among other 
bat species) since 2004 (Summit Metro Parks 2014, in litt.), with 
numbers fluctuating. Their data noted a potential slight decline in 
northern long-eared bat numbers prior to WNS (however, there was a 
slight increase in 2011), and after WNS was detected in the area, a 
sharp decline was documented in capture rates. In surveys conducted in 
2013 and 2014, no northern long-eared bats were captured at any of the 
parks surveyed (where the species was previously found; Summit Metro 
Parks 2014, in litt.).
    In Michigan, the northern long-eared bat is known from 36 (physical 
detections in 33 counties and acoustic detections from 3 additional 
counties) of 83 counties and is commonly encountered in parts of the 
northern Lower Peninsula and portions of the Upper Peninsula (Kurta 
1982, p. 301; Kurta 2013, pers. comm.; Bohrman 2015, pers. comm.). WNS 
was first confirmed in Michigan in the winter of 2014-2015. Cave bat 
mortality was documented in 2014-2015, although mortality was not 
specifically confirmed for northern long-eared bats. The majority of 
hibernacula in Michigan are in the northern and western Upper 
Peninsula; therefore, there are very few cave-hibernating bats in 
general in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula during the summer 
because the distance to hibernacula is too great (Kurta 1982, pp. 301-
302). It is thought that the few bats that do spend the summer in the 
southern half of the Lower Peninsula may hibernate in caves or mines in 
neighboring States (Kurta 1982, pp. 301-302).
    In Wisconsin, the northern long-eared bat was historically reported 
as one of the least abundant bats, based on hibernacula surveys, 
acoustic surveys,

[[Page 17981]]

and summer mist-netting efforts (Amelon and Burhans 2006, pp. 71-72; 
Redell 2011, pers. comm.). However, summer surveys conducted in 2014 
revealed a more widespread distribution than previously thought 
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 2014, unpublished 
data). In the summer of 2014, WDNR radio-tracked 12 female northern 
long-eared bats in four regions in the State and collected information 
on selected roost tree species and characteristics (WNDR 2014, 
unpublished data). In addition, acoustic and mist-net data was 
collected by a pipeline project proponent in 2014, which resulted in 
new records for the species in many surveyed areas along a corridor 
from the northwest part through the southeast part of the State (WDNR 
2014, unpublished data). The northern long-eared bat has been observed 
in 67 hibernacula in the State. WNS was confirmed in Wisconsin in the 
winter of 2013-2014. A recent population viability analysis in 
Wisconsin found that ``there are no known natural refugia or highly 
resistant sites on the landscape, which will likely lead to statewide 
extinction of the species once WNS infects the major hibernacula'' 
(Peery et al. 2013, unpublished data; WDNR 2014, in litt.).
    The northern long-eared bat is known from 11 hibernacula in 
Minnesota. WNS has not been detected in Minnesota; however, the fungus 
that causes WNS was detected in 2011-2012. Prior to 2014, there was 
little information on northern long-eared bat summer populations in the 
State. In 2014, passive acoustic surveys conducted at a new proposed 
mining area in central St. Louis County detected the presence of 
northern long-eared bats at each of 13 sites sampled, accounting for 
approximately 14 percent of all recorded bat calls (Smith et al. 2014, 
pp. 3-4). Mist-net surveys in 2014 at seven sites on Camp Ripley 
Training Center, Morrison County, resulted in capture of 4 northern 
long-eared bats (5 percent of total captures), and at five sites on the 
Superior National Forest, Lake and St. Louis Counties, resulted in 
capture of 24 northern long-eared bats (55 percent of total captures) 
(Catton 2014, pp. 2-3). Acoustic and mist-net data were collected by a 
pipeline project proponent in 2014, which surveyed a 300-mile (mi) 
(483-kilometer (km)) corridor through the northern third of the State. 
Positive detections were recorded for Hubbard, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, 
and Carlton Counties, and northern long-eared bats were the most common 
species captured by mist-net (Merjent 2014, unpublished data). Mist-net 
surveys were conducted the previous year (2013) on the Kawishiwi 
District of the Superior National Forest, and resulted in capture of 13 
northern long-eared bats (38 percent of total captures) over nine 
nights of netting at eight sites (Grandmaison et al. 2013, pp. 7-8).
Southern Range
    For purposes of organization in this rule, southern geographic area 
includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In the South, 
the northern long-eared bat is considered more common in States such as 
Kentucky and Tennessee, and less common in the southern extremes of its 
range (e.g., Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina). The absence of 
widespread survey efforts in several States is likely limiting the 
known range of the species, as well as information on its relative 
abundance (Armstrong 2015, pers. comm.). In the southern part of the 
species' range, Kentucky is the only State with Statewide survey data 
prior to 2010, primarily as a result of survey efforts for other listed 
bats species, such as the Indiana bat. WNS has been documented at many 
northern long-eared bat hibernacula in this region, with mortality 
confirmed at many sites.
    Northern long-eared bats were historically observed in the majority 
of hibernacula in Kentucky and have been a commonly captured species 
during summer surveys (Lacki and Hutchinson 1999, p. 11; Hemberger 
2015, pers. comm.). The northern long-eared bat has been documented 
throughout the majority of Kentucky, with historical records in 91 of 
its 120 counties. Eighty-five counties have summer records, and 68 of 
those include reproductive records (i.e., captures of juveniles or 
pregnant, lactating, or post-lactating adult females) (Hemberger 2015, 
pers. comm.). WNS was first observed in Kentucky in 2011. Currently 
there are more than 60 known WNS-infected northern long-eared bat 
hibernacula in the State (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 
Resources (KDFWR) 2014, unpublished data). Bat mortality at infected 
sites was first documented in 2013, and increased in 2014 (KDFWR 2014, 
unpublished report). However, population trends are difficult to assess 
as northern long-eared bat numbers in these hibernacula have 
historically been variable. Summer survey data for Kentucky lack a 
standardized unit of effort and, therefore, cannot be used to assess 
population trends. However, Silvis et al. (2015, p. 6) documented 
significant summer population declines within four maternity colonies 
on Fort Knox Military Installation during their 3-year study (from 
2012-2014), presumably due to WNS.
    In Tennessee, northern long-eared bats have been observed in both 
summer mist-net surveys and winter hibernacula counts. Summer mist-net 
surveys from 2002 through 2013 resulted in the capture of more than 
1,000 individuals, including males and juveniles or pregnant, 
lactating, or post-lactating adult females (Flock 2014, unpublished 
data). During the winter of 2009-2010, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource 
Agency (TWRA) began tracking northern long-eared bat populations and 
has since documented northern long-eared bats in 58 hibernacula, with 
individual hibernaculum populations ranging from 1 to 136 individuals 
(TWRA 2014, unpublished data). According to TWRA, Tennessee has over 
9,000 caves and less than 2 percent of those have been surveyed, which 
led them to suggest that there could be additional unknown northern 
long-eared bat hibernacula in the State (TWRA 2013, in litt.). WNS was 
first documented in Tennessee in the winter of 2009-2010. WNS-related 
mortality was documented (including northern long-eared bat mortality) 
in 2014 (WNS Workshop 2014, pers. comm.); however, there is no pre-WNS 
data from these sites, and we cannot draw any conclusions regarding 
population trends based on hibernacula surveys. TWRA (2013, in litt.) 
indicates that summer mist-netting data for the eastern portion of the 
State showed a pre-WNS (2000-2008) capture frequency of 33 percent and 
post-WNS (2010-2012) capture frequency of 31 percent. These data do not 
have a standardized unit of effort, and, therefore, they cannot be used 
to assess population trends. Conversely, Lamb (2014, pers. comm.) 
observed declines in summer capture trends of several species of bats, 
including the northern long-eared bat, at Arnold Air Force Base in 
south-central Tennessee from 1998 to 2014. In the Great Smoky Mountains 
National Park, 2014 capture rates of northern long-eared bats in 
comparison to 2009-2012 declined by 71 to 94 percent (across all sites) 
based on unit of effort comparisons (NPS 2014, in litt.; Indiana State 
University 2015, in litt.).
    In 2000, during sampling of bat populations in the Kisatchie 
National Forest, Louisiana, three northern long-eared bats, including 
two males and one lactating female, were collected. These were the 
first official records of the species from Louisiana, and the presence 
of a reproductive female likely represents a resident summer colony

[[Page 17982]]

(Crnkovic 2003, p. 715). Northern long-eared bats have not been 
documented using caves in Louisiana, including the five known caves 
that occur within 54 miles (87 km) of the collection site (Crnkovic 
2003, p. 715). Neither WNS nor the fungus that cause WNS has been 
detected in Louisiana to date.
    In Georgia, northern long-eared bat winter records are rare 
(Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) 2014, in litt.). 
However, this species is commonly captured during summer mist-net 
surveys (GA DNR 2014, in litt.). Twenty-four summer records were 
documented between 2007 and 2011. Mist-net surveys were conducted in 
the Chattahoochee National Forest in 2001-2002 and 2006-2007, with 51 
total individual records for the species (Morris 2012, unpublished 
data). WNS was first detected in the State in the winter of 2012-2013. 
With historically small numbers of northern long-eared bats found in 
hibernacula surveys in Georgia, we cannot draw conclusions regarding 
population trends based on hibernacula surveys. WNS-related mortality 
has been documented in cave bats in the State; however, northern long-
eared bat mortality has not been documented to date.
    Northern long-eared bats have been documented in 22 hibernacula in 
North Carolina. All known hibernacula are caves or mines located in the 
western part of the State (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 
2014, unpublished data), although summer records for the species exist 
for both the eastern and western parts of the State. In the summer of 
2007, six northern long-eared bats were captured in Washington County, 
North Carolina (Morris et al. 2009, p. 356). Both adults and juveniles 
were captured, suggesting that there is a reproducing resident 
population (Morris et al. 2009, p. 359). Reproductive females and adult 
males have recently been documented in the northeastern part of the 
State. Mist-netting and acoustic data indicate that the northern long-
eared bat may be active almost year-round in eastern portions of the 
State, likely due to mild winter temperatures and insect availability 
in coastal counties (North Carolina Department of Transportation 2014, 
in litt.). In North Carolina, WNS was first documented in the winter of 
2008-2009. Northern long-eared bats have declined by 95 percent in 
hibernacula where WNS has been present for 2 or more years, with 
smaller declines documented in hibernacula infected for less than 2 
years (Weeks and Graeter 2014, pers. comm.).
    Northern long-eared bats are known from the mountain region of 
three counties in northwestern South Carolina: Oconee, Pickens, and 
Greenville. There are two known northern long-eared bat hibernacula in 
the State: one is a cave that had 26 northern long-eared bats present 
in 1995, but has not been surveyed since, and the other is a tunnel 
where only one bat was found in 2011 (Bunch 2011, unpublished data). In 
South Carolina, WNS was first documented in the winter of 2012-2013. 
Bat mortality due to WNS has not been documented to date. Winter 
northern long-eared bat records are infrequent in the State. When 
present in hibernacula counts, their numbers range from 24 (1995 survey 
of a Pickens County hibernaculum) to single records in Oconee County 
(South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 2015, in litt.). Thus, 
population trends cannot be determined based on hibernacula surveys, 
due to historically low numbers of northern long-eared bats found.
    Northern long-eared bats are known from 41 hibernacula in Arkansas, 
although there are typically few individuals (e.g., fewer than 10 
individuals) observed (Sasse 2012, unpublished data). Saugey et al. 
(1993, p. 104) reported the northern long-eared bat to be rather common 
during fall swarming at abandoned mines in the Ouachita Mountains. 
Additionally, Heath et al. (1986, p. 35) found 57 pregnant females 
roosting in a mine in the spring of 1985. Summer surveys in the 
Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas from 2000-2005 tracked 17 males 
and 23 females to 43 and 49 day-roosts, respectively (Perry and Thill 
2007, pp. 221-222). In 2013 summer surveys in the Ozark St. Francis 
National Forest, the northern long-eared bat was the most common 
species captured (Service 2014, unpublished data). Pd was first 
detected in the State in the winter of 2011-2012; however, WNS was 
confirmed at different sites (than where Pd was first confirmed) in 
2013-2014. Northern long-eared bat mortality was documented (five 
individuals) from one of the sites where WNS was first confirmed in 
2013-2014 (WNS Workshop 2014, pers. comm.). Mortality of northern long-
eared bats from WNS was observed in the State's largest hibernacula in 
2015; 2015 surveys found 120 northern long-eared bats in that 
hibernacula, where counts in recent years often numbered 200 to 300 
(Bitting 2015, pers. comm.).
    Northern long-eared bats are known from two hibernacula in Alabama, 
where typically few individuals (e.g., fewer than 20) are observed 
(Sharp 2014, unpublished data). Surveys conducted during the Southeast 
Bat Diversity Network bat blitz in 2008 reported the northern long-
eared bat to be rather common in late summer/early fall swarm at known 
bat caves in Alabama (Sharp 2014, unpublished data). Summer surveys, 
mostly conducted between 2001 and 2008, in Alabama have documented 71 
individual captures, including both males and reproductively active 
females (Sharp 2014, unpublished data). WNS was first documented in 
Alabama in the winter of 2011-2012.
    The northern long-eared bat is known to occur in seven counties 
along the eastern edge of Oklahoma (Stevenson 1986, p. 41). The species 
is known from nine hibernacula, where typically they are observed in 
low numbers (e.g., 1 to 20 individuals). However, a larger colony uses 
a cave on the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma 
(LeFlore County) during the winter (9 to 96 individuals) and during the 
fall (9 to 463 individuals) (Perry 2014, pers. comm.). Northern long-
eared bats have been recorded from 21 caves (7 of which occur on the 
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge) during the summer. The species 
has regularly been captured in summer mist-net surveys at cave 
entrances in Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Delaware, and LeFlore Counties, 
and are often one of the most common bats captured during mist-net 
surveys at cave entrances in the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma (Stark 
2013, pers. comm.; Clark and Clark 1997, p. 4). Small numbers of 
northern long-eared bats (typical range of 1 to 17 individuals) also 
have been captured during mist-net surveys along creeks and riparian 
zones in eastern Oklahoma (Stark 2013, pers. comm.; Clark and Clark 
1997, pp. 4, 9-13). Neither WNS nor Pd has been detected in Oklahoma to 
date.
    Although the northern long-eared bat was not considered abundant in 
Kentucky and Tennessee historically (Harvey et al. 1991, p. 192), 
research conducted from 1990-2012 found the species abundant in summer 
mist-net surveys (Hemberger 2012, pers. comm.; Pelren 2011, pers. 
comm.; Lacki and Hutchinson 1999, p. 11). With the exception of 
Kentucky and possibly portions of Tennessee, western North Carolina, 
and northwestern Arkansas, where the species appears broadly 
distributed, there simply was not historically adequate effort expended 
to determine how abundant the species was in States such as South 
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Due to this 
lack of surveys,

[[Page 17983]]

historical variability of winter populations, or lack of standardized 
data, it is difficult to draw conclusions about winter population 
trends pre- and post-WNS introduction in this region. Similarly, summer 
population trends are also difficult to summarize at this time due to a 
lack of surveys or standardized data.
Western Range
    For purposes of organization in this rule, this region includes the 
following States: South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, 
Montana, and Kansas. The northern long-eared bat is historically less 
common in the western portion of its range than in the northern portion 
of the range (Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 71), and is considered common 
in only small portions of the western part of its range (e.g., Black 
Hills of South Dakota) and uncommon or rare in the western extremes of 
the range (e.g., Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska) (Caceres and Barclay 2000, 
p. 2); however, there has been limited survey effort throughout much of 
this part of the species' range. To date, WNS has not been found in any 
of these States.
    The northern long-eared bat has been observed hibernating and 
residing during the summer in the Black Hills National Forest in South 
Dakota and is considered abundant in the region. Capture and banding 
data for survey efforts in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming 
showed northern long-eared bats to be the second most common bat banded 
(159 of 878 total bats) during 3 years of survey effort (Tigner and 
Aney 1994, p. 4). South Dakota contains 21 known hibernacula, all 
within the Black Hills, 9 of which are abandoned mines (Bessken 2015, 
pers. comm.). The largest number of northern long-eared bats was 
observed in a hibernaculum near Hill City, South Dakota; 40 northern 
long-eared bats were observed in this mine in the winter of 2002-2003 
(Tigner and Stukel 2003, pp. 27-28). A summer population was found in 
the Dakota Prairie National Grassland and Custer National Forest in 
2005 (Lausen undated, unpublished data). Using mist-nets and 
echolocation detectors, northern long-eared bats have also been 
observed in small numbers in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands 
(Tigner 2004, pp. 13-30; Tigner 2005, pp. 7-18). Additionally, northern 
long-eared bats, including some pregnant females, have been captured 
during the summer along the Missouri River in South Dakota (Swier 2006, 
p. 5; Kiesow and Kiesow 2010, pp. 65-66). Swier (2003, p. 25) found 
that of 52 bats collected in a survey along the Missouri River, 42 
percent were northern long-eared bats. Acoustic data recorded by bat 
monitoring stations operated by the South Dakota Department of Game, 
Fish, and Parks (SDDGFP) also detected the northern long-eared bat 
sporadically throughout the State (across 16 counties) in 2011 and 2012 
(SDDGFP 2014, in litt.)
    Summer surveys in North Dakota (2009-2011) documented the species 
in the Turtle Mountains, the Missouri River Valley, and the Badlands 
(Gillam and Barnhart 2011, pp. 10-12). No northern long-eared bat 
hibernacula are known within North Dakota. During the winters of 2010-
2013, Barnhart (2014, unpublished; Western Area Power Administration 
2015, in litt.) documented 3 bat hibernacula and 18 potential 
hibernacula in Theodore Roosevelt National Park; however, no northern 
long-eared bat were found.
    Northern long-eared bats have been observed at two quarries located 
in east-central Nebraska (Geluso 2011, unpublished data). However, the 
species is known to summer in the northwestern parts of Nebraska, 
specifically Pine Ridge in Sheridan County, and a small maternity 
colony has been recently documented (Geluso et al. 2014, p. 2). A 
reproducing population has also been documented north of Valentine in 
Cherry County (Benedict et al. 2000, pp. 60-61). During an acoustic 
survey conducted during the summer of 2012, the species was present in 
Cass County (east-central Nebraska). Similarly, acoustic surveys in 
Holt County, on the Grand Prairie Wind Farm, observed the northern 
long-eared bat at five of seven sites (Mattson et al. 2014, pp. 2-3). 
Limestone quarries in Cass County are used as hibernacula by this 
species and others (White et al. 2012, p. 3). White et al. (2012, p. 2) 
state that the bat is uncommon or absent from extreme southeastern 
Nebraska; however, surveys in Otoe County found two northern long-eared 
bats, a female and a male, and telemetry surveys identified roosts in 
the county (Brack and Brack 2014, pp. 52-53).
    During acoustic and mist-net surveys conducted throughout Wyoming 
in the summers of 2008-2011, 32 separate observations of northern long-
eared bats were made in the northeast part of the State, and breeding 
was confirmed (U.S. Forest Service (USFS) 2006, unpublished data; 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) 2012, unpublished data). 
Northern long-eared bats have also been observed at Devils Tower 
National Monument in Wyoming during the summer months, and primarily 
used forested areas of the monument (NPS 2014, in litt.). To date, 
there are no known hibernacula in Wyoming, and it is unclear if there 
are existing hibernacula used by northern long-eared bats, although the 
majority of potential hibernacula (abandoned mines) within the State 
occur outside of the northern long-eared bat's range (Tigner and Stukel 
2003, p. 27; WGFD 2012, unpublished data).
    Montana has only one known record of a northern long-eared bat in 
the State, a male collected in an abandoned coal mine in 1978 in 
Richland County (Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) 2012, 
unpublished data). The species has not been reported in eastern Montana 
since the 1978 record, despite mist-net and acoustic surveys conducted 
in the eastern portion of the State through 2014 (Montana Natural 
Heritage Program 2015, in litt.). The specimen of this single bat 
collected in the State is currently undergoing genetic testing to 
determine whether the record is indeed a northern long-eared bat 
(Montana Natural Heritage Program 2015, in litt.; MFWP 2015, in litt.).
    In Kansas, the northern long-eared bat was first documented in 
1951, when individual bats were documented hibernating in the gypsum 
mines of Marshall County (Schmidt et al. 2015, unpaginated). The status 
of the gypsum mines as hibernaculum in Kansas is widely unknown. 
Northern long-eared bats were thought to only migrate through central 
Kansas until pregnant females were discovered in north-central Kansas 
in 1994 and 1995 (Sparks and Choate 1995, p. 190). Since then, northern 
long-eared bats have been considered relatively common in riparian 
woodlands in Phillips, Rooks, Graham, Osborne, Ellis, and Russel 
Counties (Schmidt et al. 2015, unpaginated).
Canadian Range
    The northern long-eared bat occurs throughout the majority of the 
forested regions of Canada, although it is found in higher abundance in 
eastern Canada than in western Canada, similar to in the United States 
(Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 6). However, the scarcity of records in the 
western parts of Canada may be due to more limited survey efforts. It 
has been estimated that approximately 40 percent of the northern long-
eared bat's global range is in Canada (Committee on the Status of 
Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) 2012, p. 9). The population 
size for the northern long-eared bat in Canada is unknown, but likely 
numbered over a million prior to the 2010 arrival of WNS in Canada 
(COSEWIC 2013, p. xv1). The range of the northern long-eared bat in 
Canada includes Alberta, British Columbia,

[[Page 17984]]

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest 
Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, 
Saskatchewan, and Yukon (COSEWIC 2012, p. 4). There are no records of 
the species overwintering in Yukon and Northwest Territories (COSEWIC 
2012, p. 9).

Habitat

Winter Habitat
    Northern long-eared bats predominantly overwinter in hibernacula 
that include caves and abandoned mines. Hibernacula used by northern 
long-eared bats vary in size from large, with large passages and 
entrances (Raesly and Gates 1987, p. 20), to much smaller hibernacula 
(Kurta 2013, in litt.). These hibernacula have relatively constant, 
cooler temperatures (0 to 9 degrees Celsius ([deg]C) (32 to 48 degrees 
Fahrenheit ([deg]F))) (Raesly and Gates 1987, p. 18; Caceres and Pybus 
1997, p. 2; Brack 2007, p. 744), with high humidity and no air currents 
(Fitch and Shump 1979, p. 2; van Zyll de Jong 1985, p. 94; Raesly and 
Gates 1987, p. 118; Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 2). The sites favored by 
northern long-eared bats are often in very high humidity areas, to such 
a large degree that droplets of water are often observed on their fur 
(Hitchcock 1949, p. 52; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77). Northern long-
eared bats, like eastern small-footed bats (Myotis leibii) and big 
brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), typically prefer cooler and more humid 
conditions than little brown bats, but are less tolerant of drier 
conditions than eastern small-footed bats and big brown bats (Hitchcock 
1949, pp. 52-53; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77; Caceres and Pybus 1997, 
p. 2). Northern long-eared bats are typically found roosting in small 
crevices or cracks in cave or mine walls or ceilings, sometimes with 
only the nose and ears visible, and thus are easily overlooked during 
surveys (Griffin 1940a, pp. 181-182; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77; 
Caire et al. 1979, p. 405; van Zyll de Jong 1985, p. 9; Caceres and 
Pybus 1997, p. 2; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, pp. 209-210). Caire et al. 
(1979, p. 405) and Whitaker and Mumford (2009, p. 208) commonly 
observed individuals exiting caves with mud and clay on their fur, also 
suggesting the bats were roosting in tighter recesses of hibernacula. 
Additionally, northern long-eared bats have been found hanging in the 
open, although not as frequently as in cracks and crevices (Barbour and 
Davis 1969, p. 77; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, pp. 209-210). In 1968, 
Whitaker and Mumford (2009, pp. 209-210) observed three northern long-
eared bats roosting in the hollow core of stalactites in a small cave 
in Jennings County, Indiana.
    To a lesser extent, northern long-eared bats have also been 
observed overwintering in other types of habitat that resemble cave or 
mine hibernacula, including abandoned railroad tunnels, (Service 2015, 
unpublished data). Also, in 1952, three northern long-eared bats were 
found hibernating near the entrance of a storm sewer in central 
Minnesota (Goehring 1954, p. 435). Kurta et al. (1997, p. 478) found 
northern long-eared bats hibernating in a hydroelectric dam facility in 
Michigan. In Massachusetts, northern long-eared bats have been found 
hibernating in the Sudbury Aqueduct (Massachusetts Department of Fish 
and Game 2012, unpublished data). Griffin (1945, p. 22) found northern 
long-eared bats in December in Massachusetts in a dry well, and 
commented that these bats may regularly hibernate in ``unsuspected 
retreats'' in areas where caves or mines are not present. Although 
confamilial (belonging to the same taxonomic family) bat species (e.g., 
big brown bats) have been found using non-cave or mine hibernacula, 
including attics and hollow trees (Neubaum et al. 2006, p. 473; 
Whitaker and Gummer 1992, pp. 313-316), northern long-eared bats have 
only been observed over-wintering in suitable caves, mines, or habitat 
with the same types of conditions found in suitable caves or mines to 
date.
Summer Habitat
I. Summer Roost Characteristics
    During the summer, northern long-eared bats typically roost singly 
or in colonies underneath bark or in cavities or crevices of both live 
trees and snags (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95; Foster and Kurta 1999, 
p. 662; Owen et al. 2002, p. 2; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 262; 
Perry and Thill 2007, p. 222; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119). Males' and 
nonreproductive females' summer roost sites may also include cooler 
locations, including caves and mines (Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77; 
Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 72). Northern long-eared bats have also 
been observed roosting in colonies in human-made structures, such as in 
buildings, in barns, on utility poles, behind window shutters, and in 
bat houses (Mumford and Cope 1964, p. 72; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 
77; Cope and Humphrey 1972, p. 9; Burke 1999, pp. 77-78; Sparks et al. 
2004, p. 94; Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 72; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, 
p. 209; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119; Bohrman and Fecske 2013, pp. 37, 
74; Joe Kath 2013, pers. comm.).
    The northern long-eared bat appears to be somewhat flexible in tree 
roost selection, selecting varying roost tree species and types of 
roosts throughout its range. Northern long-eared bats have been 
documented in roost in many species of trees, including: black oak 
(Quercus velutina), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), silver maple 
(Acer saccharinum), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), American beech 
(Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), sourwood (Oxydendrum 
arboreum), and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) (e.g., Mumford and Cope 
1964, p. 72; Clark et al. 1987, p. 89; Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95; 
Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 662; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 484; 
Owen et al. 2002, p. 2; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 262; Perry and 
Thill 2007, p. 224; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119). Northern long-eared 
bats most likely are not dependent on certain species of trees for 
roosts throughout their range; rather, many tree species that form 
suitable cavities or retain bark will be used by the bats 
opportunistically (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 668). Carter and Feldhamer 
(2005, p. 265) hypothesized that structural complexity of habitat or 
available roosting resources are more important factors than the actual 
tree species.
    In the majority of northern long-eared bat telemetry studies, roost 
trees consist predominantly of hardwoods (e.g., Foster and Kurta 1999, 
p. 662; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 484; Broders and Forbes 2004, 
p. 606). Broders and Forbes (2004, p. 605) reported that female 
northern long-eared bat roosts in New Brunswick were 24 times more 
likely to be shade-tolerant, deciduous trees than conifers. Of the few 
northern long-eared bat telemetry studies in which conifers represented 
a large proportion of roosts, most were reported as snags (e.g., Cryan 
et al. 2001, p. 45; Jung et al. 2004, p. 329). Overall, these data 
suggest that hardwood trees most often provide the structural and 
microclimate conditions preferred by maternity colonies and groups of 
females, which have more specific roosting needs than solitary males 
(Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 484), although softwood snags may 
offer more suitable roosting habitat for both genders than hardwoods 
(Perry and Thill 2007, p. 222; Cryan et al. 2001, p. 45). One reason 
deciduous snags may be preferred over conifer snags is increased 
resistance to decay, and consequently roost longevity, of the former 
(USFS 1998).

[[Page 17985]]

    Many studies have documented the northern long-eared bat's 
selection of both live trees and snags, with a range of 10 to 53 
percent selection of live roosts found (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95; 
Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 668; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 484; 
Menzel et al. 2002, p. 107; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 262; Perry 
and Thill 2007, p. 224; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 118). Foster and Kurta 
(1999, p. 663) found 53 percent of roosts in Michigan were in living 
trees, whereas in New Hampshire, 66 percent of roosts were in live 
trees (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95). The use of live trees versus 
snags may reflect the availability of such structures in study areas 
(Perry and Thill 2007, p. 224) and the flexibility in roost selection 
when there is a sympatric bat species present (e.g., Indiana bat) 
(Timpone et al. 2010, p. 120). Most telemetry studies describe a 
greater number of dead than live roosts (e.g., Cryan et al. 2001, p. 
45; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 486; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 120; 
Silvis et al. 2012, p. 3). A significant preference for dead or dying 
trees was reported for northern long-eared bats in Kentucky (Silvis et 
al. 2012, p. 3), Illinois, and Indiana; in South Dakota (Cryan et al. 
2001, p. 45) and West Virginia, northern long-eared bat roost plots 
contained a higher than expected proportion of snags (Owen et al. 2002, 
p. 4). Moreover, most studies reporting a higher proportion of live 
roosts included trees that had visible signs of decline, such as broken 
crowns or dead branches (e.g., Foster and Kurta 1999, pp. 662,663; Ford 
et al. 2006, p. 20). Thus, the tendency for northern long-eared bats 
(particularly large maternity colonies) to use healthy live trees 
appears to be fairly low.
    In tree roosts, northern long-eared bats are typically found 
beneath loose bark or within cavities and have been found to use both 
exfoliating bark and crevices to a similar degree for summer roosting 
habitat (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 662; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, 
p. 484; Menzel et al. 2002, p. 110; Owen et al. 2002, p. 2; Perry and 
Thill 2007, p. 222; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119).
    Canopy coverage at northern long-eared bat roosts has ranged from 
56 percent in Missouri (Timpone et al. 2010, p. 118), to 66 percent in 
Arkansas (Perry and Thill 2007, p. 223), to greater than 75 percent in 
New Hampshire (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95), to greater than 84 
percent in Kentucky (Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 487). Studies in 
New Hampshire and British Columbia have found that canopy coverage 
around roosts is lower than in available stands (Sasse and Pekins 1996, 
p. 95). Females tend to roost in more open areas than males, likely due 
to the increased solar radiation, which aids pup development (Perry and 
Thill 2007, p. 224). Fewer trees surrounding maternity roosts may also 
benefit juvenile bats that are starting to learn to fly (Perry and 
Thill 2007, p. 224). However, in southern Illinois, northern long-eared 
bats were observed roosting in areas with greater canopy cover than in 
random plots (Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 263). Roosts are also 
largely selected below the canopy, which could be due to the species' 
ability to exploit roosts in cluttered environments; their gleaning 
behavior suggests an ability to easily maneuver around obstacles 
(Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 669; Menzel et al. 2002, p. 112).
    Results from studies have found the diameters of roost trees 
selected by northern long-eared bats vary greatly. Some studies have 
found that the diameter-at-breast height (dbh) of northern long-eared 
bat roost trees was greater than random trees (Lacki and Schwierjohann 
2001, p. 485), and others have found both dbh and height of selected 
roost trees to be greater than random trees (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 
97; Owen et al. 2002 p. 2). However, other studies have found that 
roost tree mean dbh and height did not differ from random trees (Menzel 
et al. 2002, p. 111; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 266). Based on a 
consolidation of data from across the northern long-eared bat range 
(Sasse and Pekins 1996, pp. 95-96; Schultes 2002, pp. 49, 51; Perry 
2014, pers. comm.; Lereculeur 2013, pp. 52-54; Carter and Feldhamer 
2005, p. 263; Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 663; Lacki and Schwierjohann 
2001, pp. 484-485; Owens et al. 2002, p. 3; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 
118; Lowe 2012, p. 61; Perry and Thill 2007, p. 223; Lacki et al. 2009, 
p. 1,171), roost tree dbh most commonly used (close to 80 percent of 
over 400 documented maternity tree roosts) by northern long-eared bat 
maternity colonies range from 10 to 25 centimeters (cm) (4 to 10 
inches).
    As for elevation of northern long-eared bat roosts, Lacki and 
Schwierjohann (2001, p. 486) have found that northern long-eared bats 
roost more often on upper and middle slopes than lower slopes, which 
suggests a preference for higher elevations, possibly due to increased 
solar heating. Silvis et al. (2012, p. 4), found that selection of mid- 
and upper-slope roost areas may also be a function of the landscape 
position, whereby forest stands are most subjected to disturbance 
(e.g., wind, more intense fire, more drought stress, higher incidence 
of insect attack) that in turn creates suitable roost conditions among 
multiple snags and trees within the stand.
    Some studies have found tree roost selection to differ slightly 
between male and female northern long-eared bats. Some studies have 
found male northern long-eared bats more readily using smaller diameter 
trees for roosting than females, suggesting males are more flexible in 
roost selection than females (Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 487; 
Broders and Forbes 2004, p. 606; Perry and Thill 2007, p. 224). In the 
Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, both sexes primarily roosted in pine 
snags, although females roosted in snags surrounded by fewer midstory 
trees than did males (Perry and Thill 2007, p. 224). In New Brunswick, 
Canada, Broders and Forbes (2004, pp. 606-607) found that there was 
spatial segregation between male and female roosts, with female 
maternity colonies typically occupying more mature, shade-tolerant 
deciduous tree stands and males occupying more conifer-dominated 
stands. Data from West Virginia at the Fernow Experimental Forest and 
the former Westvaco Ecosystem Research Forest (both of which contain 
both relatively unmanaged, older, mature stands; early successional/
mid-age stands; and fire-modified stands) suggest that females choose 
smaller diameter, suppressed understory trees, whereas males often 
chose larger, sometimes canopy-dominant trees for roosts, perhaps in 
contrast to other tree-roosting myotids such as Indiana bats (Menzel et 
al. 2002, p. 112; Ford et al. 2006, p. 16; Johnson et al. 2009a, p. 
239). A study in northeastern Kentucky found that males did not use 
colony roosting sites and were typically found occupying cavities in 
live hardwood trees, while females formed colonies more often in both 
hardwood and softwood snags (Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 486). 
However, males and nonreproductively active females are found roosting 
within home ranges of known maternity colonies the majority of the time 
(1,712 of 1,825 capture records or 94 percent) within Kentucky (Service 
2014, unpublished data), suggesting little segregation between 
reproductive females and other individuals in summer.
II. Summer Roosting Behavior
    Northern long-eared bats actively form colonies in the summer 
(Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 667) and exhibit fission-fusion behavior 
(Garroway and Broders 2007, p. 961), where members frequently coalesce 
to form a group (fusion), but composition of the group is in flux, with 
individuals frequently departing to be solitary or to form

[[Page 17986]]

smaller groups (fission) before returning to the main unit (Barclay and 
Kurta 2007, p. 44). As part of this behavior, northern long-eared bats 
switch tree roosts often (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95), typically 
every 2 to 3 days (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 665; Owen et al. 2002, p. 
2; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 261; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119). In 
Missouri, the longest time spent roosting in one tree was 3 nights; 
however, up to 11 nights spent roosting in a human-made structure has 
been documented (Timpone et al. 2010, p. 118). Bats switch roosts for a 
variety of reasons, including temperature, precipitation, predation, 
parasitism, sociality, and ephemeral roost sites (Carter and Feldhamer 
2005, p. 264). Ephemeral roost sites, with the need to proactively 
investigate new potential roost trees prior to their current roost tree 
becoming uninhabitable (e.g., tree falls over), may be the most likely 
scenario (Kurta et al. 2002, p. 127; Carter and Feldhamer 2005, p. 264; 
Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119).
    Fission-fusion dynamics also drives maternal roosting behaviors and 
relatedness within social groups of northern long-eared bats. Patriquin 
et al. (2013, p. 952) found that the average relatedness of social 
group members (northern long-eared bat individuals in nearby colonies 
that may occasionally share roosts) was low; however, familiar pairs of 
females (females that frequently roosted together) were more closely 
related than expected by chance. Consistent with these genetic 
findings, Garroway and Broders (2007, p. 960), Patriquin et al. (2010, 
p. 904), and Johnson et al. (2011, p. 227) observed nonrandom roosting 
behaviors, with some female northern long-eared bats roosting more 
frequently together than with other females.
    Roosts trees used by northern long-eared bats are often in fairly 
close proximity to each other within the species' summer home range. 
For example, in Missouri, Timpone et al. (2010, p. 118) radio-tracked 
13 northern long-eared bats to 39 roosts and found the mean distance 
traveled between roost trees was 0.67 km (0.42 mi) (range 0.05-3.9 km 
(0.03-2.4 mi)). In Michigan, the longest distance moved by the same bat 
between roosts was 2 km (1.2 mi), and the shortest was 6 meters (m) (20 
feet (ft)) (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 665). In the Ouachita Mountains 
of Arkansas, Perry and Thill (2007, p. 22) found that individuals moved 
among snags that were within less than 2 hectares (ha) (5 acres). 
Johnson et al. (2011, p. 227) found that northern long-eared bats form 
social groups in networks of roost trees often centered on a central-
node roost. Central-node roost trees may be similar to Indiana bat 
primary roost trees (locations for information exchange, thermal 
buffering), but they were identified by the degree of connectivity with 
other roost trees rather than by the number of individuals using the 
tree (Johnson et al. 2011, p. 228).
Spring Staging
    Spring staging for the northern long-eared bat is the time period 
between winter hibernation and spring migration to summer habitat 
(Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 80). During this time, bats begin to 
gradually emerge from hibernation, exit the hibernacula to feed, but 
re-enter the same or alternative hibernacula to resume daily bouts of 
torpor (state of mental or physical inactivity) (Whitaker and Hamilton 
1998, p. 80). The staging period for the northern long-eared bat is 
likely short in duration (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 80; Caire et 
al. 1979, p. 405). In Missouri, Caire et al. (1979, p. 405) found that 
northern long-eared bats moved into the staging period in mid-March 
through early May. In Michigan, Kurta et al. (1997, p. 478) determined 
that by early May, two-thirds of the Myotis species, including the 
northern long-eared bat, had dispersed to summer habitat. Variation in 
timing (onset and duration) of staging for Indiana bats was based on 
latitude and weather (Service 2007, pp. 39-40, 42); similarly, timing 
of staging for northern long-eared bats is likely based on these same 
factors.
Fall Swarming
    The swarming season fills the time between the summer and winter 
seasons (Lowe 2012, p. 50) and the purpose of swarming behavior may 
include: Introduction of juveniles to potential hibernacula, 
copulation, and stopping over sites on migratory pathways between 
summer and winter regions (Kurta et al. 1997, p. 479; Parsons et al. 
2003, p. 64; Lowe 2012, p. 51; Randall and Broders 2014, pp. 109-110). 
The swarming season for some species of the genus Myotis begins shortly 
after females and young depart maternity colonies (Fenton 1969, p. 
601). During this time, both male and female northern long-eared bats 
are present at swarming sites (often with other species of bats). 
During this period, heightened activity and congregation of transient 
bats around caves and mines is observed, followed later by increased 
sexual activity and bouts of torpor prior to winter hibernation (Fenton 
1969, p. 601; Parsons et al. 2003, pp. 63-64; Davis and Hitchcock 1965, 
pp. 304-306). For the northern long-eared bat, the swarming period may 
occur between July and early October, depending on latitude within the 
species' range (Fenton 1969, p. 598; Kurta et al. 1997, p. 479; Lowe 
2012, p. 86; Hall and Brenner 1968, p. 780; Caire et al. 1979, p. 405). 
The northern long-eared bat may investigate several cave or mine 
openings during the transient portion of the swarming period, and some 
individuals may use these areas as temporary daytime roosts or may 
roost in forest habitat adjacent these sites (Kurta et al. 1997, pp. 
479, 483; Lowe 2012, p. 51). Many of the caves and mines associated 
with swarming are also used as hibernacula for several species of bats, 
including the northern long-eared bat (Fenton 1969, p. 599; Glover and 
Altringham 2008, p. 1498; Randall and Broders 2014, p. 109; Kurta et 
al. 1997, p. 484; Whitaker and Rissler 1992a, p. 132).
    Little is known about northern long-eared bat roost selection 
outside of caves and mines during the swarming period (Lowe 2012, p. 
6). Lowe (2012, pp. 32, 58, 63) documented northern long-eared bats in 
the Northeast roosting in both coniferous and deciduous trees or stumps 
as far away as 3 miles (7 km) from the swarming site. Although Lowe 
(2012, pp. 61, 64) hypothesized that tree roosts used during the fall 
swarming season would be similar to summer roosts, there was a 
difference found between summer and fall in the variation in distances 
bats traveled from the capture site to roost, roost orientation, and 
greater variation of roost types (e.g., roost species, size, decay 
class) in the fall. Greater variation among roosts during the swarming 
season may be a result of the variation in energy demands that 
individual northern long-eared bats exhibit during this time (Lowe 
2012, p. 64; Barclay and Kurta 2007, pp. 31-32).

Biology

Hibernation
    Northern long-eared bats hibernate during the winter months to 
conserve energy from increased thermoregulatory demands and reduced 
food resources. To increase energy savings, individuals enter a state 
of torpor, when internal body temperatures approach ambient 
temperature, metabolic rates are significantly lowered, and immune 
function declines (Thomas et al. 1990, p. 475; Thomas and Geiser 1997, 
p. 585; Bouma et al. 2010, p. 623). Periodic arousal from torpor 
naturally occurs in all hibernating mammals (Lyman et al. 1982, p. 92), 
although arousals remain among the least understood of hibernation 
phenomena (Thomas and

[[Page 17987]]

Geiser 1997, p. 585). Numerous factors (e.g., reduction of metabolic 
waste, body temperature, and water balance) have been proposed to 
account for the occurrence and frequency of arousals (Thomas and Geiser 
1997, p. 585). Each time a bat arouses from torpor, it uses a 
significant amount of energy to warm its body and increase its 
metabolic rate. The cost and number of arousals are the two key factors 
that determine energy expenditures of hibernating bats in winter 
(Thomas et al. 1990, p. 475). For example, little brown bats used as 
much fat during a typical arousal from hibernation as would be used 
during 68 days of torpor, and arousals and subsequent activity may 
constitute 84 percent of the total energy used by hibernating bats 
during the winter (Thomas et al. 1990, pp. 477-478).
    In general, northern long-eared bats arrive at hibernacula in 
August or September, enter hibernation in October and November, and 
emerge from the hibernacula in March or April (Caire et al. 1979, p. 
405; Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 100; Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 
72). However, hibernation may begin as early as August (Whitaker and 
Rissler 1992b, p. 56). In Copperhead Cave (a mine) in west-central 
Indiana, the majority of bats enter hibernation during October, and 
spring emergence occurs from about the second week of March to mid-
April (Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 210). In Indiana, northern long-
eared bats become more active and start feeding outside the 
hibernaculum in mid-March, evidenced by stomach and intestine contents. 
This species also showed spring activity earlier than little brown bats 
and tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) (Whitaker and Rissler 
1992b, pp. 56-57). In northern latitudes, such as in upper Michigan's 
copper-mining district, hibernation may begin as early as late August 
and continue for 8 to 9 months (Stones and Fritz, 1969, p. 81; Fitch 
and Shump 1979, p. 2). Northern long-eared bats have shown a high 
degree of philopatry (using the same site multiple years) for a 
hibernaculum (Pearson 1962, p. 30), although they may not return to the 
same hibernaculum in successive seasons (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 
2).
    Typically, northern long-eared bats were not abundant and composed 
a small proportion of the total number of bats observed hibernating in 
a hibernaculum (Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77; Mills 1971, p. 625; 
Caire et al. 1979, p. 405; Caceres and Barclay 2000, pp. 2-3). Although 
usually observed in small numbers, the species typically inhabits the 
same hibernacula with large numbers of other bat species, and 
occasionally are found in clusters with these other bat species. Other 
species that commonly occupy the same habitat include little brown bat, 
big brown bat, eastern small-footed bat, tri-colored bat, and Indiana 
bat (Swanson and Evans 1936, p. 39; Griffin 1940a, p. 181; Hitchcock 
1949, pp. 47-58; Stones and Fritz 1969, p. 79). Whitaker and Mumford 
(2009, pp. 209-210), however, infrequently found northern long-eared 
bats hibernating beside little brown bats, Indiana bats, or tri-colored 
bats. Barbour and Davis (1969, p. 77) found that the species was rarely 
recorded in concentrations of more than 100 in a single hibernaculum.
    Northern long-eared bats have been observed moving among 
hibernacula throughout the winter, which may further decrease 
population estimates (Griffin 1940a, p. 185; Whitaker and Rissler 
1992a, p. 131; Caceres and Barclay 2000, pp. 2-3). Whitaker and Mumford 
(2009, p. 210) found that this species flies in and out of some mines 
and caves in southern Indiana throughout the winter. In particular, the 
bats were active at Copperhead Cave periodically all winter, with 
northern long-eared bats being more active than other species (such as 
little brown bats and tri-colored bats) hibernating in the cave. Though 
northern long-eared bats fly outside of the hibernacula during the 
winter, they do not feed; hence the function of this behavior is not 
well understood (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 101). It has been 
suggested, however, that bat activity during winter could be due in 
part to disturbance by researchers (Whitaker and Mumford 2009, pp. 210-
211).
    Northern long-eared bats exhibit significant weight loss during 
hibernation. In southern Illinois, Pearson (1962, p. 30) found an 
average weight loss of 20 percent during hibernation in male northern 
long-eared bats, with individuals weighing an average of 6.6 g (0.2 
ounces) prior to January 10, and those collected after that date 
weighing an average of 5.3 g (0.2 ounces). Whitaker and Hamilton (1998, 
p. 101) reported a weight loss of 41-43 percent over the hibernation 
period for northern long-eared bats in Indiana. In eastern Missouri, 
male northern long-eared bats lost an average of 3 g (0.1 ounces), or 
36 percent, during the hibernation period (late October through March), 
and females lost an average of 2.7 g (0.1 ounces), or 31 percent (Caire 
et al. 1979, p. 406).
Migration and Homing
    While the northern long-eared bat is not considered a long-distance 
migratory species, short regional migratory movements between seasonal 
habitats (summer roosts and winter hibernacula) have been documented 
between 56 km (35 mi) and 89 km (55 mi) (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993 p. 
88; Griffin 1940b, pp. 235, 236; Caire et al. 1979, p. 404). Griffin 
(1940b, pp. 235, 236) reported that a banded male northern long-eared 
bat had traveled from one hibernaculum in Massachusetts to another in 
Connecticut over the 2-month period of February to April, a distance of 
89 km (55 mi). The spring migration period typically runs from mid-
March to mid-May (Caire et al. 1979, p. 404; Easterla 1968, p. 770; 
Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 207); fall migration typically occurs 
between mid-August and mid-October.
    Northern long-eared bats have shown a high degree of philopatry 
(tendency to return to the same location) for a hibernaculum (Pearson 
1962), although they may not return to the same hibernaculum in 
successive seasons (Caceres and Barclay 2000). Banding studies in Ohio, 
Missouri, and Connecticut show return rates to hibernacula of 5.0 
percent (Mills 1971, p. 625), 4.6 percent (Caire et al. 1979, p. 404), 
and 36 percent (Griffin 1940a, p. 185), respectively. An experiment 
showed an individual bat returned to its home cave up to 32 km (20 mi) 
away after being removed 3 days prior (Stones and Branick 1969, p. 
158).
Reproduction
    Mating occurs from late July in northern regions to early October 
in southern regions and commences when males begin to aggregate around 
hibernacula and initiate copulation activity (Whitaker and Hamilton 
1998, p. 101; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 210; Caceres and Barclay 
2000, p. 2; Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 69). Copulation occasionally 
occurs again in the spring (Racey 1982, p. 73), and can occur during 
the winter as well (Kurta 2014, in litt.). Hibernating females store 
sperm until spring, exhibiting delayed fertilization (Racey 1979, p. 
392; Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 4). Ovulation takes place near the time 
of emergence from hibernation, followed by fertilization of a single 
egg, resulting in a single embryo (Cope and Humphrey 1972, p. 9; 
Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 4; Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 2); 
gestation is approximately 60 days, based on like species (Kurta 1995, 
p. 71). Males are generally reproductively inactive from April until 
late July, with testes enlarging in preparation for breeding in most 
males during August and September (Caire et al. 1979, p. 407; Amelon 
and Burhans 2006, p. 69; Kurta 2013, in litt.).

[[Page 17988]]

    Maternity colonies, consisting of females and young, are generally 
small, numbering from about 30 (Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 212) to 
60 individuals (Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 3); however, one group of 
100 adult females was observed in Vermilion County, Indiana (Whitaker 
and Mumford 2009, p. 212). In West Virginia, maternity colonies in two 
studies had a range of 7 to 88 individuals (Owen et al. 2002, p. 2) and 
11 to 65 individuals, with a mean size of 31 (Menzel et al. 2002, p. 
110). Lacki and Schwierjohann (2001, p. 485) found that the number of 
bats within a given roost declined as the summer progressed. Pregnant 
females formed the largest aggregations (mean=26) and post-lactating 
females formed the smallest aggregation (mean=4). The largest overall 
reported colony size of 65 bats. Other studies have also found that the 
number of individuals roosting together in a given roost typically 
decreases from pregnancy to post-lactation (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 
667; Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001, p. 485; Garroway and Broders 2007, 
p. 962; Perry and Thill 2007, p. 224; Johnson et al. 2012, p. 227). 
Female roost site selection, in terms of canopy cover and tree height, 
changes depending on reproductive stage; relative to pre- and post-
lactation periods, lactating northern long-eared bats have been shown 
to roost higher in tall trees situated in areas of relatively less 
canopy cover and lower tree density (Garroway and Broders 2008, p. 91).
    Adult females give birth to a single pup (Barbour and Davis 1969, 
p. 104). Birthing within the colony tends to be synchronous, with the 
majority of births occurring around the same time (Krochmal and Sparks 
2007, p. 654). Parturition (birth) likely occurs in late May or early 
June (Caire et al. 1979, p. 406; Easterla 1968, p. 770; Whitaker and 
Mumford 2009, p. 213), but may occur as late as July (Whitaker and 
Mumford 2009, p. 213). Broders et al. (2006, p. 1177) estimated a 
parturition date of July 20 in New Brunswick. Lactating and post-
lactating females were observed in mid-June in Missouri (Caire et al. 
1979, p. 407), July in New Hampshire and Indiana (Sasse and Pekins 
1996, p. 95; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 213), and August in Nebraska 
(Benedict 2004, p. 235). Juvenile volancy (flight) often occurs by 21 
days after birth (Krochmal and Sparks 2007, p. 651, Kunz 1971, p. 480) 
and has been documented as early as 18 days after birth (Krochmal and 
Sparks 2007, p. 651). Subadults were captured in late June in Missouri 
(Caire et al. 1979, p. 407), early July in Iowa (Sasse and Pekins 1996, 
p. 95), and early August in Ohio (Mills 1971, p. 625).
    Maximum lifespan for northern long-eared bats is estimated to be up 
to 18.5 years (Hall et al. 1957, p. 407). Most mortality for northern 
long-eared bats and many other species of bats occurs during the 
juvenile stage (Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 4).
Foraging Behavior
    Northern long-eared bats are nocturnal foragers and use hawking 
(catching insects in flight) and gleaning (picking insects from 
surfaces) behaviors in conjunction with passive acoustic cues (Nagorsen 
and Brigham 1993, p. 88; Ratcliffe and Dawson 2003, p. 851). 
Observations of northern long-eared bats foraging on arachnids 
(spiders) (Feldhamer et al. 2009, p. 49), presence of green plant 
material in their feces (Griffith and Gates 1985, p. 456), and non-
flying prey in their stomach contents (Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 207) 
suggest considerable gleaning behavior. The northern long-eared bat has 
a diverse diet including moths, flies, leafhoppers, caddisflies, and 
beetles (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993, p. 88; Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 
207; Griffith and Gates 1985, p. 452), with diet composition differing 
geographically and seasonally (Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 208). 
Feldhamer et al. (2009, p. 49) noted close similarities of all Myotis 
diets in southern Illinois, while Griffith and Gates (1985, p. 454) 
found significant differences between the diets of northern long-eared 
bats and little brown bats. The most common insects found in the diets 
of northern long-eared bats are lepidopterans (moths) and coleopterans 
(beetles) (Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 207; Lee and McCracken 2004, pp. 
595-596; Feldhamer et al. 2009, p. 45; Dodd et al. 2012, p. 1122), with 
arachnids also being a common prey item (Feldhamer et al. 2009, p. 45). 
Northern long-eared bats have the highest frequency call of any bat 
species in the Great Lakes area (Kurta 1995, p. 71). Gleaning allows 
this species to gain a foraging advantage for preying on moths because 
moths are less able to detect these high frequency echolocation calls 
(Faure et al. 1993, p. 185).
    Most foraging occurs above the understory, 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) 
above the ground, but under the canopy (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993, p. 
88) on forested hillsides and ridges, rather than along riparian areas 
(Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 207; LaVal et al. 1977, p. 594). This 
coincides with data indicating that mature forests are an important 
habitat type for foraging northern long-eared bats (Caceres and Pybus 
1997, p. 2). Occasional foraging also takes place over small forest 
clearings and water, and along roads (van Zyll de Jong 1985, p. 94). 
Foraging patterns indicate a peak activity period within 5 hours after 
sunset followed by a secondary peak within 8 hours after sunset (Kunz 
1973, pp. 18-19). Brack and Whitaker (2001, p. 207) did not find 
significant differences in the overall diet of northern long-eared bats 
between morning (3 a.m. to dawn) and evening (dusk to midnight) 
feedings; however there were some differences in the consumption of 
particular prey orders between morning and evening feedings. 
Additionally, no significant differences existed in dietary diversity 
values between age classes or sex groups (Brack and Whitaker 2001, p. 
208).
Home Range
    Northern long-eared bats exhibit site fidelity to their summer home 
range (Perry 2011, pp. 113-114; Johnson et al. 2009a, p. 237; Jackson 
2004, p. 87; Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 665). During this period, 
northern long-eared bats roost (Sasse and Pekins 1996, pp. 95-96; Owen 
et al. 2002, p. 1; Perry and Thill 2007, pp. 224-225; Timpone et al. 
2010, p. 116) and forage (Owen et al. 2003, pp. 354-355; Sheets 2010, 
pp. 3-4, 18; Tichenell et al. 2011, p. 985; Dodd et al. 2012, p. 1120) 
in forests. Their home ranges, which include both the foraging and 
roosting areas, may vary by sex. Broders et al. (2006, p. 1117) found 
home ranges of females (mean of 8.6 ha (21.3 acres)) to be larger than 
males (mean of 1.4 ha (3.5 acres)), though Lereculeur (2013, p. 20) 
found no difference between sexes at a study site in Tennessee. Also, 
Broders et al. (2006, p. 1117) and Henderson and Broders (2008, p. 958) 
found foraging areas (of either sex) to be six or more times larger 
than roosting areas. At sites in the Red River Gorge area of the Daniel 
Boone National Forest, Lacki et al. (2009, p. 1169) found female home 
range size to range from 19 to 172 ha (47 to 425 acres). Owen et al. 
(2003, p. 353) estimated average maternal home range size to be 65 ha 
(161 acres). Home range size of northern long-eared bats in this study 
site was small relative to other bat species, but this may be due to 
the study's timing (during the maternity period) and the small body 
size of northern long-eared bats (Owen et al. 2003, pp. 354-355). The 
mean distance between roost trees and foraging areas of radio-tagged 
individuals in New Hampshire was 602 m (1,975 ft) with a range of 60 to 
1,719 m (197 to 5,640 ft) (Sasse and Pekins 1996, p. 95). Work on 
Prince Edward Island by Henderson and

[[Page 17989]]

Broders (2008, p. 956) found female northern long-eared bats traveling 
approximately 1,100 m (3,609 ft) between roosting and foraging areas.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), and its implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR part 424, set forth the procedures for adding 
species to the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and 
Plants. Under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, we may list a species based 
on any of the following five factors: (A) The present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) 
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms; and (E) other natural or manmade 
factors affecting its continued existence. Listing actions may be 
warranted based on any of the above threat factors, singly or in 
combination. Each of these factors is discussed below.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the northern long-eared bat. There are several factors presented 
below that affect the northern long-eared bat to a greater or lesser 
degree; however, we have found that no other threat is as severe and 
immediate to the northern long-eared bat's persistence as the disease, 
white-nose syndrome (WNS), discussed below under Factor C. WNS is 
currently the predominant threat to the species, and if WNS had not 
emerged or was not affecting the northern long-eared bat populations to 
the level that it has, we presume the species' would not be 
experiencing the dramatic declines that it has since WNS emerged. 
Therefore, although we have included brief discussions of other factors 
affecting the species, the focus of the discussion below is on WNS.

Factor A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range

Hibernation Habitat
    Modifications to bat hibernacula, by erecting physical barriers 
(e.g., doors, gates), to control cave and mine access can affect the 
microclimate of the subterranean habitat, and thus the ability of the 
cave or mine to support hibernating bats, including the northern long-
eared bat. These well-documented effects on cave-hibernating bat 
species were discussed in the Service's Indiana Bat Draft Recovery Plan 
(Service 2007, pp. 71-74). Anthropogenic modifications to cave and mine 
entrances, such as the addition of restrictive gates or other 
structures intended to exclude humans, may not only alter flight 
characteristics and access (Spanjer and Fenton 2005, p. 1110), but may 
change airflow and alter internal microclimates of the caves and mines, 
eliminating their utility as hibernacula (Service 2007, p. 71). For 
example, Richter et al. (1993, p. 409) attributed the decline in the 
number of Indiana bats at Wyandotte Cave, Indiana (which harbors one of 
the largest known population of hibernating Indiana bats), to an 
increase in the cave's temperature resulting from restricted airflow 
caused by a stone wall erected at the cave's entrance. After the wall 
was removed, the number of Indiana bats increased markedly over the 
next 14 years (Richter et al. 1993, p. 412; Brack et al. 2003, p. 67). 
Similarly, northern long-eared bats were likely negatively impacted 
when the entrance to John Friend Cave in Maryland was filled with large 
rocks in 1981, which closed the only known access to the cave (Gates et 
al. 1984, p. 166). We conclude, based on the need for specific 
hibernation requirements of any cave-hibernating bat, that alteration 
of hibernacula could result in adverse impacts to individual northern 
long-eared bats.
    In addition to the direct access modifications to caves discussed 
above, debris buildup at entrances or on cave gates can also 
significantly modify the cave or mine site characteristics by 
restricting airflow and the course of natural water flow. Water flow 
restriction could lead to flooding, thus drowning hibernating bats 
(Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 72). For example, in Minnesota, 5 of the 
11 known northern long-eared bat hibernacula are subject to flooding, 
presenting a threat to hibernating bats (Nordquist 2012, pers. comm.). 
Flooding has been noted in hibernacula in other States within the range 
of the northern long-eared bat, but to a lesser degree. Although 
modifications to hibernacula can lead to mortality of northern long-
eared bats, we do not conclude it has resulted in population-level 
effects.
    Mining operations, mine passage collapse (subsidence), and mine 
reclamation activities can also affect bats and their hibernacula. 
Internal and external collapse of abandoned coal mines was identified 
as one of the primary threats to northern long-eared bat hibernacula at 
sites located within the New River Gorge National River and Gauley 
River National Recreation Area in West Virginia (Graham 2011, 
unpublished data). In States surveyed for effects to northern long-
eared bats by hibernacula collapse, responses varied, with the 
following number of hibernacula in each State reported (not all States 
surveyed responded) as susceptible to collapse: 1 (of 7) in Maryland, 3 
(of 11) in Minnesota, 1 (of 5) in New Hampshire, 4 (of 15) in North 
Carolina, 1 (of 2) in South Carolina, and 1 (of 13) in Vermont (Service 
2011, unpublished data). Previous and current mining operations pose a 
direct threat to northern long-eared bat from mine collapse in parts of 
its range.
    Before Federal and State cave protection laws were put in place, 
there were several reported instances where mines were closed while 
bats were hibernating, thereby entombing entire colonies (Tuttle and 
Taylor 1998, p. 8). For the northern long-eared bat, loss of potential 
winter habitat through mine closures has been noted as a concern in 
Virginia, although visual inspections of openings are typically 
conducted to determine whether gating is warranted (Reynolds 2011, 
unpublished data). In Nebraska, closing quarries, and specifically 
sealing quarries in Cass and Sapry Counties, is considered a potential 
threat to northern long-eared bats (Geluso 2011, unpublished data).
    In general, threats to the integrity of bat hibernacula have 
decreased since the Indiana bat was listed as endangered in 1967, and 
since the implementation of Federal and State cave protection laws and 
abandoned mine reclamation programs. Increasing awareness about the 
importance of cave and mine microclimates to hibernating bats and 
regulation under the Act have helped to alleviate the destruction or 
modification of hibernation habitat, at least where the Indiana bat and 
gray bat (Myotis grisescens) are present (Service 2007, p. 74). The 
northern long-eared bat has likely benefited from the protections given 
to the Indiana bat and the gray bat and their winter habitat, in areas 
where its range overlaps with those species' ranges.
Disturbance of Hibernating Bats
    Human disturbance of hibernating bats has long been considered a 
threat to cave-hibernating bat species like the northern long-eared 
bat, and is discussed in detail in the Service's Indiana Bat Draft 
Recovery Plan (Service 2007, pp. 80-85). The primary forms of human 
disturbance to hibernating bats results from cave commercialization 
(cave tours and other commercial uses of caves), recreational caving, 
vandalism, and research-related activities (Service 2007, p. 80). 
Arousal during hibernation causes the greatest amount of energy 
depletion in

[[Page 17990]]

hibernating bats (Thomas et al. 1990, p. 477). Human disturbance at 
hibernacula, specifically non-tactile disturbance such as changes in 
light and sound, can cause bats to arouse more frequently, causing 
premature energy store depletion and starvation, as well as increased 
tactile disturbance amongst bats (Thomas 1995, p. 944; Speakman et al. 
1991, p. 1103), leading to marked reductions in bat populations (Tuttle 
1979, p. 3). Prior to the outbreak of WNS, Amelon and Burhans (2006, p. 
73) indicated that ``the widespread recreational use of caves and 
indirect or direct disturbance by humans during the hibernation period 
pose the greatest known threat to this species (northern long-eared 
bat).'' Olson et al. (2011, p. 228), hypothesized that an increase in 
the hibernating bat population (including northern long-eared bats) was 
related to decreased visits by recreational users and researchers at 
Cadomin Cave in Alberta, Canada. Bilecki (2003, p. 55) states that the 
reduction of four species of bats, including the northern long-eared 
bat, was ``directly related to high human use and abuse'' of a cave. 
Disturbance during hibernation could cause movements within or between 
caves (Beer 1955, p. 244).
    Of 14 States that assessed the possibility of human disturbance at 
bat hibernacula within the range of the northern long-eared bat, 13 
identified at least 1 known hibernacula as potentially impacted by 
human disturbance (Service 2012, unpublished data). Eight of these 14 
States (Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont) indicated the potential for 
human disturbance at over 50 percent of the known hibernacula in that 
State. Nearly all States without WNS identified human disturbance as 
the primary threat to hibernating bats, and all others (including WNS-
positive States) noted human disturbance as the next greatest threat 
after WNS or of significant concern (Service 2012, unpublished data).
    The threat of commercial use of caves and mines during the 
hibernation period has decreased at many sites known to harbor Indiana 
bats, and we conclude that this also applies to northern long-eared 
bats. However, effects from recreational caving are more difficult to 
assess. In addition to unintended effects of commercial and 
recreational caving, intentional killing of bats in caves by shooting, 
burning, and clubbing has been documented (Tuttle 1979, pp. 4, 8). 
Intentional killing of northern long-eared bats has been documented at 
a small percentage of hibernacula (e.g., one case of shooting 
disturbance in Maryland and one case of bat torching in Massachusetts 
where approximately 100 bats (northern long-eared bats and other 
species) were killed) (Service, unpublished data), but we do not have 
evidence that this is happening on a large enough scale to have 
population-level effects.
    In summary, while there are isolated incidents of previous 
disturbance to northern long-eared bats from both intentional 
disturbance and recreational use of caves and mines, we conclude that 
there is no evidence suggesting that this threat in itself has led to 
population-level declines.
Summer Habitat
    As discussed in detail in the Background (Biology, ``I. Summer 
Roost Characteristics'') section, above, northern long-eared bats 
require forest for roosting, raising young, foraging, and commuting 
between roosting and foraging habitat. Northern long-eared bats will 
also roost in manmade structures, to a lesser extent. The two common 
causes of loss or modification of habitat are conversion of forest for 
other land use and forest modification.
I. Forest Conversion
    Forest conversion is the loss of forest to another land cover type 
(e.g., grassland, cropland, development) and may result in: Loss of 
suitable roosting or foraging habitat; fragmentation of remaining 
forest patches, leading to longer flights between suitable roosting and 
foraging habitat; removal of (fragmenting colonies/networks) travel 
corridors; and direct injury or mortality (during active season 
clearing). While forest conversion may occur throughout all States 
within the species' range, impacts to the northern long-eared bat and 
their habitat typically occur at a more local-scale (i.e., individuals 
and potentially colonies).
    The USFS (2014, p. 7) summarized U.S. forest trends and found a 
decline from 1850 to the early 1900s, and a general leveling off since 
that time; therefore, conversion from forest to other land cover types 
has been fairly stable with conversion to forest (cropland reversion/
plantings). For example, according to the U.S. Forest Service's Forest 
Inventory and Analysis, the amount of forested land within the 37 
States and the District of Columbia of the northern long-eared bat's 
range increased from 414,297,531 acres in 2004 and 2005, to 423,585,498 
acres in 2013 (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2014, in litt; 
Miles 2014,  https://apps.fs.fed.us/Evalidator/evalidator.jsp). However, 
between 2001 and 2006, there was a net loss of 1.2 percent of forest 
across the United States with most losses in the Southeast and West, 
and a net loss of interior forest (a forest parcel embedded in a 40-
acre landscape that has at least 90 percent forest land cover) of 4.3 
percent (USFS 2014, p. 18) throughout the continental United States, 
which increased forest fragmentation and smaller remaining forest 
patches. There is some evidence that northern long-eared bats have an 
affinity for less fragmented habitat (interior forest) (Broders et al. 
2006, p. 1181; Henderson et al. 2008, p. 1825). Also, forest ownership 
varies widely across the species' range in the United States. Private 
lands may carry with them a higher risk for conversion than do public 
forests, a factor that must be considered when assessing risk of forest 
conversion now and in the future. Private land ownership is 
approximately 81 percent in the East and 30 percent in the West (USFS 
2014, p. 15).
    Some of the highest rates of development in the conterminous United 
States are occurring within the range of the northern long-eared bat 
(Brown et al. 2005, p. 1856), and contribute to loss of forest habitat. 
The 2010 Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment (USFS 2012) summarized 
findings about the status, trends, and projected future of U.S. 
forests. This assessment was influenced by a set of scenarios with 
varying assumptions with regard to global and U.S. population, economic 
growth, climate change, wood energy consumption, and land use change 
from 2010 to 2060. It projects forest losses of 6.5-13.8 million ha 
(16-34 million acres or 4-8 percent of 2007 forest area) across the 
conterminous United States, and forest loss is expected to be 
concentrated in the southern United States, with losses of 3.6-8.5 
million ha (9-21 million acres) (USFS 2012, p. 12).
    Wind energy development continues to increase throughout the 
northern long-eared bat's range. Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, 
Kansas, and New York are amongst the top 10 States for wind energy 
capacity (installed projects) in the United States (American Wind 
Energy Association (AWEA) 2013, unpaginated). If projects are sited in 
forested habitats, effects from wind energy development may include 
tree-clearings associated with turbine placement, road construction, 
turbine lay-down areas, transmission lines, and substations. See Factor 
E. Other

[[Page 17991]]

Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence for a 
Discussion on Effects to Bats From the Operation of Wind Turbines

    Surface coal mining is common in the central Appalachian region, 
which includes portions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, 
Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee, and is one of the major drivers of land 
cover change in the region (Sayler 2008, unpaginated). Surface coal 
mining may also destroy forest habitat in parts of the Illinois Basin 
in southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and Illinois (King 2013, pers. 
comm.).
    Natural gas extraction is expanding across the United States, 
particularly throughout the range of the northern long-eared bat. 
Natural gas extraction involves fracturing rock formations using highly 
pressurized water and other various chemicals (Hein 2012, p. 1). 
Natural gas extraction and transmission, particularly across the 
Marcellus Shale region, which includes large portions of New York, 
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, is expected to expand over the 
coming years. In Pennsylvania, for example, nearly 2,000 Marcellus 
natural gas wells have already been drilled or permitted, and if 
development trends continue, as many as 60,000 more could be built by 
2030 (Johnson 2010, pp. 8, 13). Habitat necessary for establishing 
maternity colonies and foraging may be lost and degraded due to the 
practice of forest clearing for well pads and associated 
infrastructures (e.g., roads, pipelines, and water impoundments). These 
actions could decrease the amount of suitable interior forest habitat 
available to northern long-eared bats.
    There are a variety of reasons forests are being converted (e.g., 
urban development, energy production, and transmission) within the 
range of the northern long-eared bat. Impacts to northern long-eared 
bats from loss of forest vary depending on the timing, location, and 
extent of the removal. While bats can sometimes flee during tree 
removal, removal of occupied roosts (during spring through fall) is 
likely to result in direct injury or mortality to some northern long-
eared bats. This is particularly likely during cool spring months (when 
bats enter torpor) and if flightless pups or inexperienced flying 
juveniles are also present. Removal of forest outside of northern long-
eared bat summer home range, or away from hibernacula, would not likely 
directly impact the species. However, removal of forest within a summer 
home range (regardless of when it is removed) may negatively impact the 
species, depending on the extent of removal and the amount of remaining 
suitable roosting and foraging habitat.
    Some portions of the northern long-eared bat's range are more 
forested than others. In areas with little forest or highly fragmented 
forests (e.g., western U.S. edge of the range, central Midwestern 
states; see Figure 1, above), impact of forest loss would be 
disproportionately greater than similar-sized losses in heavily 
forested areas (e.g., Appalachians and northern forests). Also, the 
impact of habitat loss within a northern long-eared bat's home range is 
expected to vary depending on the scope of removal. Northern long-eared 
bats are flexible in which tree species they select as roosts, and 
roost trees are an ephemeral resource; therefore, the species likely 
can tolerate some loss of roosts, provided suitable alternative roosts 
are available. Silvis et al. (2014, pp. 283-290) modeled roost loss of 
northern long-eared bats, and Silvis et al. (2015, pp. 1-17) removed 
known northern long-eared bat roosts during the winter in the field to 
determine how this would impact the species. Once removals totaled 20-
30 percent of known roosts, a single maternity colony network started 
showing patterns of break-up. Sociality is hypothesized to increase 
reproductive success (Silvis et al. 2014, p. 283), and smaller colonies 
would be expected to have reduced reproductive success.
    Longer flights to find alternative suitable habitat and colonial 
disruption may result from removal of roosting or foraging habitat. 
Northern long-eared bats emerge from hibernation with their lowest 
annual fat reserves, and return to their summer home ranges. Because 
northern long-eared bats have summer home range fidelity (Foster and 
Kurta 1999, p. 665; Patriquin et al. 2010, p. 908; Broders et al. 2013, 
p. 1180), loss or alteration of forest habitat may put additional 
stress on females when returning to summer roost or foraging areas 
after hibernation. Females (often pregnant) have limited energy 
reserves available for use if forced to seek out new roosts or foraging 
areas. Hibernation and reproduction are the most energetically 
demanding periods for temperate-zone bats, including the northern long-
eared bat (Broders et al. 2013, p. 1174). Bats may reduce metabolic 
costs of foraging by concentrating efforts in areas of known high prey 
profitability, a benefit that could result from the bat's local 
roosting and home range knowledge and site fidelity (Broders et al. 
2013, p. 1181). Cool spring temperatures provide an additional 
energetic demand, as bats need to stay sufficiently warm or enter 
torpor. Entering torpor comes at a cost of delayed parturition; bats 
born earlier in the year have a greater chance of surviving their first 
winter and breeding in their first year of life (Frick et al. 2010b, p. 
133). Delayed parturition may also be costly because young of the year 
and adult females would have less time to prepare for hibernation 
(Broders et al. 2013, p. 1180). Female northern long-eared bats 
typically roost colonially, with their largest population counts 
occurring in the spring (Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 667), presumably as 
one way to reduce thermal costs for individual bats (Foster and Kurta 
1999, p. 667). Therefore, similar to other temperate bats, northern 
long-eared bats have multiple high metabolic demands (particularly in 
spring), and must have sufficient suitable roosting and foraging 
habitat available in relatively close proximity to allow for successful 
reproduction.
    In summary, U.S. forest area trends have remained relatively stable 
with some geographic regions facing more conversion than others in the 
recent past. In the future, forest conversion is expected to increase, 
whether from commercial or residential development, energy production, 
or other pressures on forest lands. While monitoring efforts for 
impacts to northern long-eared bats from forest conversion did not 
often occur in the past, we expect that impacts likely occurred, but 
the species appears to have been resilient to these impacts prior to 
the emergence of WNS. In areas where WNS is present, there are 
additional energetic demands for northern long-eared bats. For example, 
WNS-affected bats have less fat reserves than non-WNS-affected bats 
when they emerge from hibernation (Reeder et al. 2012, p. 8; Warnecke 
et al. 2012, p. 7001) and have wing damage (Meteyer et al. 2009, p. 
412; Reichard and Kunz 2009, p. 458) that makes migration and foraging 
more challenging. Females that survive the migration to their summer 
habitat must partition energy resources between foraging, keeping warm, 
successful pregnancy and pup-rearing, and healing. Current and future 
forest conversion may have negative additive impacts where the species 
has been impacted by WNS. Impacts from forest conversion to individuals 
or colonies would be expected to range from indirect impact (e.g., 
minor amounts of forest removal in areas outside northern long-eared 
bat summer home ranges or away from hibernacula) to minor (e.g., 
largely forested areas, areas with robust northern long-eared bat 
populations) to significant (e.g., removal of a large percentage of 
summer home range,

[[Page 17992]]

highly fragmented landscapes, areas with WNS impacts).
II. Forest Management
    Unlike forest conversion, forest management maintains forest 
habitat on the landscape, and the impacts from management activities 
are for the most part considered temporary in nature. Forest management 
includes multiple practices, and this section specifically addresses 
timber harvest. Timber harvesting includes a wide variety of practices 
from selected harvest of individual trees to clearcutting. Impacts from 
forest management would be expected to range from positive (e.g., 
maintaining or increasing suitable roosting and foraging habitat within 
northern long-eared bat home ranges) to neutral (e.g., minor amounts 
forest removal, areas outside northern long-eared bat summer home 
ranges or away from hibernacula) to negative (e.g., death of adult 
females or pups or both).
    The best available data indicate that the northern long-eared bat 
shows a varied degree of sensitivity to timber harvesting practices. 
For example, Menzel et al. (2002, p. 112) found northern long-eared 
bats roosting in intensively managed stands in West Virginia; 
indicating that there were sufficient suitable roosts (primarily snags) 
remaining for their use. At the same study site, Owen et al. (2002, p. 
4) concluded that northern long-eared bats roosted in areas with 
abundant snags, and that in intensively managed forests in the central 
Appalachians, roost availability was not a limiting factor. Northern 
long-eared bats often chose black locust and black cherry as roost 
trees, which were quite abundant and often regenerate quickly after 
disturbance (e.g., timber harvest). Similarly, Perry and Thill (2007, 
p. 222) tracked northern long-eared bats in central Arkansas and found 
roosts were located in eight forest classes with 89 percent in three 
classes of mixed pine-hardwood forest. The three classes of mixed pine-
hardwood forest that supported the majority of the roosts were 
partially harvested or thinned, unharvested (50-99 years old), and 
group selection harvest (Perry and Thill 2007, pp. 223-224).
    Certain levels of timber harvest may result in canopy openings, 
which could result in more rapid development of bat young. In central 
Arkansas, Perry and Thill (2007, pp. 223-224) found female bat roosts 
were more often located in areas with partial harvesting than males, 
with more male roosts (42 percent) in unharvested stands than female 
roosts (24 percent). They postulated that females roosted in relatively 
more open forest conditions because they may receive greater solar 
radiation, which may increase developmental rates of young or permit 
young bats a greater opportunity to conduct successful initial flights 
(Perry and Thill 2007, p. 224). Cryan et al. (2001, p. 49) found 
several reproductive and nonreproductive female northern long-eared bat 
roost areas in recently harvested (less than 5 years) stands in the 
Black Hills of South Dakota in which snags and small stems (dbh of 2 to 
6 inches (5 to 15 cm)) were the only trees left standing; however, the 
largest colony (n = 41) was found in a mature forest stand that had not 
been harvested in more than 50 years.
    Forest size and continuity are also factors that define the quality 
of habitat for roost sites for northern long-eared bats. Lacki and 
Schwierjohann (2001, p. 487) stated that silvicultural practices could 
meet both male and female roosting requirements by maintaining large-
diameter snags, while allowing for regeneration of forests. Henderson 
et al. (2008, p. 1825) also found that forest fragmentation effects 
northern long-eared bats at different scales based on sex; females 
require a larger unfragmented area with a large number of suitable 
roost trees to support a colony, whereas males are able to use smaller, 
more fragmented areas. Henderson and Broders (2008, pp. 959-960) 
examined how female northern long-eared bats use the forest-
agricultural landscape on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and found that 
bats were limited in their mobility and activities are constrained when 
suitable forest is limited. However, they also found that bats in a 
relatively fragmented area used a building for colony roosting, which 
suggests an alternative for a colony to persist in an area with fewer 
available roost trees.
    In addition to impacts on roost sites, we consider effects of 
forest management practices on foraging and traveling behaviors of 
northern long-eared bats. In southeastern Missouri, the northern long-
eared bat showed a preference for contiguous tracts of forest cover 
(rather than fragmented or wide open landscapes) for foraging or 
traveling, and different forest types interspersed on the landscape 
increased likelihood of occupancy (Yates and Muzika 2006, p. 1245). 
Similarly, in West Virginia, female northern long-eared bats spent most 
of their time foraging or travelling in intact forest, diameter-limit 
harvests (70-90 year-old stands with 30-40 percent of basal area 
removed in the past 10 years), and road corridors, with no use of 
deferment harvests (similar to clearcutting) (Owen et al. 2003, p. 
355). When comparing use and availability of habitats, northern long-
eared bats preferred diameter-limit harvests and forest roads. In 
Alberta, Canada, northern long-eared bats avoided the center of 
clearcuts and foraged more in intact forest than expected (Patriquin 
and Barclay 2003, p. 654). On Prince Edward Island, Canada, female 
northern long-eared bats preferred open areas less than forested areas, 
with foraging areas centered along forest-covered creeks (Henderson and 
Broders 2008, pp. 956-958). In mature forests in South Carolina, 10 of 
the 11 stands in which northern long-eared bats were detected were 
mature stands (Loeb and O'Keefe 2006, p. 1215). Within those mature 
stands, northern long-eared bats were more likely to be recorded at 
points with sparse or medium vegetation rather than points with dense 
vegetation, suggesting that some natural gaps within mature forests can 
provide good foraging habitat for northern long-eared bats (Loeb and 
O'Keefe 2006, pp. 1215-1217). However, in southwestern North Carolina, 
Loeb and O'Keefe (2011, p. 175) found that northern long-eared bats 
rarely used forest openings, but often used roads. Forest trails and 
roads may provide small gaps for foraging and cover from predators 
(Loeb and O'Keefe 2011, p. 175). In general, northern long-eared bats 
prefer intact mixed-type forests with small gaps (i.e., forest trails, 
small roads, or forest-covered creeks) in forest with sparse or medium 
vegetation for forage and travel rather than fragmented habitat or 
areas that have been clearcut.
    Impacts to northern long-eared bats from forest management would be 
expected to vary depending on the timing of removal, location (within 
or outside northern long-eared bat home range), and extent of removal. 
While bats can flee during tree removal, removal of occupied roosts 
(during spring through fall) is likely to result in direct injury or 
mortality to some percentage of northern long-eared bats. This 
percentage would be expected to be greater if flightless pups or 
inexperienced flying juveniles were also present. Forest management 
outside of northern long-eared bat summer home ranges or away from 
hibernacula would not be expected to result in impacts to this species. 
However, forest management within a summer home range (regardless of 
when it is removed) may result in impacts to this species, depending on 
the extent of removal and amount of remaining suitable roosting and 
foraging habitat.
    Unlike forest conversion, forest management is not usually expected 
to

[[Page 17993]]

result in a permanent loss of suitable roosting or foraging habitat for 
northern long-eared bats. On the contrary, forest management is 
expected to maintain a forest over the long term for the species. 
However, localized long-term reductions in suitable roosting and/or 
foraging habitat can occur from various forest practices (e.g., 
clearcuts). As stated above, northern long-eared bats have been found 
in forests that have been managed to varying degrees, and as long as 
there is sufficient suitable roosting and foraging habitat within their 
home range and travel corridors between those areas, we would expect 
northern long-eared bat colonies to continue to occur in managed 
landscapes. However, in areas with WNS, we believe northern long-eared 
bats are likely less resilient to stressors and maternity colonies are 
smaller. Given the low inherent reproductive potential of northern 
long-eared bats (max of one pup per female), death of adult females or 
pups or both during tree felling reduces the long-term viability of 
those colonies.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Habitat Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of Its Range
    Although there are various forms of habitat destruction and 
disturbance that present potential adverse effects to the northern 
long-eared bat, they are not considered the predominant threat to the 
species. Even if all habitat-related stressors were eliminated or 
minimized, the significant effects of WNS on the northern long-eared 
bat would remain. Therefore, below we present a few examples, but not a 
comprehensive list, of conservation efforts that have been undertaken 
to lessen effects from habitat destruction or disturbance to the 
northern long-eared bat.
    Direct protection of caves and mines can be accomplished through 
installation of bat-friendly gates that allow passage of bats while 
reducing disturbance from human entry as well as changes to the cave 
microclimate from air restrictions. One of the threats to bats in 
Michigan is the closure of unsafe mines in such a way that bats are 
trapped within or excluded; however, there have been efforts by the 
Michigan Department of Natural Resources and others to work with 
landowners who have open mines to encourage them to install bat-
friendly gates to close mines to humans, but allow access to bats 
(Hoving 2011, unpublished data). The NPS has proactively taken steps to 
minimize effects to underground bat habitat resulting from vandalism, 
recreational activities, and abandoned mine closures (Plumb and Budde 
2011, unpublished data). In addition, the NPS is properly gating 
abandoned coal mine entrances, using a ``bat-friendly'' design, as 
funding permits (Graham 2011, unpublished data). All known hibernacula 
within national grasslands and forestlands of the Rocky Mountain Region 
of the USFS are closed during the winter hibernation period, primarily 
due to the threat of WNS, although this will reduce disturbance to bats 
in general inhabiting these hibernacula (USFS 2013, unpaginated). 
Because of concern over the importance of bat roosts, including 
hibernacula, the American Society of Mammalogists developed guidelines 
for protection of roosts, many of which have been adopted by government 
agencies and special interest groups (Sheffield et al. 1992, p. 707).
    Many States are also taking a proactive stance to conserve and 
restore forest and riparian habitats with specific focus on maintaining 
forest patches and connectivity. For example, Montana is developing 
best management practices for riparian habitat protection. Other States 
have established habitat protection buffers around known Indiana bat 
hibernacula that will also serve to benefit northern long-eared bat by 
maintaining sufficient quality and quantity of swarming habitat. Some 
States have also limited tree-clearing activities to the winter, as a 
measure that would protect maternity colonies and non-volant pups 
during summer months. Many States are undertaking research and 
monitoring efforts to gain more information about habitat needs of and 
use by northern long-eared bat.
Summary of the Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range
    We have identified several potential threats to the northern long-
eared bat due to impacts to their winter and summer habitats. Winter 
habitat may be impacted by both human and non-human modification of 
hibernacula, particularly damaging is the altering or closing of 
hibernacula entrances. These modifications can lead to a partial or 
complete loss of utility as hibernacula. Humans can also disturb 
hibernating bats, either directly or indirectly, potentially resulting 
in an increase in energy consuming arousal bouts during hibernation 
(Thomas 1995, pp. 940-945; Johnson et al. 1998, pp. 255-260). Human 
disturbance at hibernacula has been identified by many States as the 
next greatest threat after WNS.
    During the summer, northern long-eared bat habitat loss is 
primarily due to forest conversion and forest management. Throughout 
the range of northern long-eared bats, forest conversion is expected to 
increase due to commercial and urban development, energy production and 
transmission, and natural changes. Forest conversion can result in a 
myriad of effects to the species, including direct loss of habitat, 
fragmentation of remaining habitat, and direct injury or mortality. 
Forest management activities, unlike forest conversion, typically 
result in temporary (non-permanent) impacts to northern long-eared bat 
summer habitat. The impact of management activities may be positive, 
neutral, or negative to the northern long-eared bat depending on scale, 
the management practice, and timing. However, these potential impacts 
can be greatly reduced with the use of measures that avoid or minimize 
effects to bats and their habitat. Potential benefits to the species 
from forest management practices include keeping forest on the 
landscape and creation and management of roosting and foraging habitat 
(from some forest management practices).
    Many activities continue to pose a threat to the summer and winter 
habitats of northern long-eared bats. While, these activities alone 
were unlikely to have significant, population-level effects, there is 
now likely a cumulative effect on the species in portions of range that 
have been impacted by WNS. Also, there have been numerous conservation 
efforts directed at lessening the effects of habitat destruction or 
disturbance on the species, including cross-State and cross-agency 
collaboration on habitat restoration and hibernacula protection.

Factor B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    There are very few records of the northern long-eared bat being 
collected specifically for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes, and thus we do not consider such collection 
activities to pose a threat to the species. Disturbance of hibernating 
bats as a result of recreational use and scientific research activities 
in hibernacula is discussed under Factor A.

Factor C. Disease or Predation

Disease
I. White-Nose Syndrome
    White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging infectious wildlife 
disease that poses a considerable threat to hibernating bat species 
throughout North America (Service 2011, p. 1). WNS is responsible for 
unprecedented mortality of insectivorous bats in

[[Page 17994]]

eastern North America (Blehert et al. 2009, p. 227; Turner et al. 2011, 
pp. 13, 22). The first evidence of the disease (a photo of bats with 
fungus) was documented at Howes Cave in Schoharie County, New York, 32 
mi (52 km) west of Albany, on February 16, 2006, but WNS was not 
actually discovered until January 2007, when it was found at four 
additional caves around Schoharie County (Blehert et al. 2009, p. 227). 
Since that time, WNS has spread rapidly throughout the Northeast, 
Southeast, Midwest, and eastern Canada. As of February 2015, WNS has 
been confirmed (meaning one or more bats in the State have been 
analyzed and confirmed with the disease) in 25 States (Alabama, 
Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New 
Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and 5 
Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward 
Island, and Quebec). Although WNS has not been confirmed in Rhode 
Island (2 known hibernacula) or the District of Columbia (no known 
hibernacula), their size and proximity to heavily impacted WNS-
confirmed States make it reasonable to conclude that bat populations 
are also affected by WNS there. Three additional States (Iowa, 
Minnesota, and Mississippi) are considered suspect for WNS based on the 
detection of the causative fungus, Pd (Lorch et al. 2011, pp. 376-379; 
Muller et al. 2013, pp. 253-259), on bats within those States, but no 
mortality or other signs of the disease have been documented at those 
locations as of December 2014. Evidence suggestive of the presence of 
Pd on one bat in Oklahoma was recently reassessed, and it was concluded 
that those initial findings are no longer supported (United States 
Geologic Survey (USGS) 2014, p. 1). Therefore, Oklahoma is no longer 
considered a suspect (meaning Pd confirmed) State for WNS. Table 1 
(below) provides a summary of the States in which WNS is currently 
present.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    First winter WNS          Documented WNS
          State or district                  WNS present?              confirmed            mortality in bats
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama..............................  Yes....................  2011-2012..............  Yes.
Arkansas.............................  Yes....................  2013-2014..............  Yes.
Connecticut..........................  Yes....................  2007-2008..............  Yes.
District of Columbia.................  Unknown.
Delaware.............................  Yes....................  2011-2012..............  Yes.
Georgia..............................  Yes....................  2012-2013..............  Yes.
Illinois.............................  Yes....................  2012-2013..............  Yes.
Indiana..............................  Yes....................  2010-2011..............  Yes.
Iowa.................................  Pd.....................  Pd only (2011-2012)....  No.
Kansas...............................  No.
Kentucky.............................  Yes....................  2010-2011..............  Yes.
Louisiana............................  No.
Maine................................  Yes....................  2010-2011..............  Yes.
Maryland.............................  Yes....................  2009-2010..............  Yes.
Massachusetts........................  Yes....................  2007-2008..............  Yes.
Michigan.............................  Yes....................  2013-2014..............  Yes.
Minnesota............................  Pd.....................  Pd only (2011-2012)....  No.
Mississippi..........................  Pd.....................  Pd only (2013-2014)....  No.
Missouri.............................  Yes....................  2011-2012..............  Yes.
Montana..............................  No.
Nebraska.............................  No.
New Hampshire........................  Yes....................  2008-2009..............  Yes.
New Jersey...........................  Yes....................  2008-2009..............  Yes.
New York.............................  Yes....................  2006-2007..............  Yes.
North Carolina.......................  Yes....................  2010-2011..............  Yes.
North Dakota.........................  No.
Oklahoma.............................  No.
Ohio.................................  Yes....................  2010-2011..............  Yes.
Pennsylvania.........................  Yes....................  2008-2009..............  Yes.
Rhode Island.........................  Unknown.
South Carolina.......................  Yes....................  2012-2013..............  No.
South Dakota.........................  No.
Tennessee............................  Yes....................  2009-2010..............  Yes.
Vermont..............................  Yes....................  2007-2008..............  Yes.
Virginia.............................  Yes....................  2008-2009..............  Yes.
West Virginia........................  Yes....................  2008-2009..............  Yes.
Wisconsin............................  Yes....................  2013-2014..............  Yes.
Wyoming..............................  No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Seven species of North American hibernating bats have been 
confirmed with WNS to date: big brown bat, gray bat, eastern small-
footed bat, little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, and 
tricolored bat. The effect of WNS appears to vary greatly by species, 
with several species exhibiting high mortality and others showing low 
or no appreciable population-level effects (Turner et al. 2011, p. 13). 
The fungus that causes WNS has been detected on five additional 
species, but with no evidence of the infection characteristic of the 
disease; these include Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus 
rafinesquii), Virginia big-eared bat (C. townsendii virginianus), 
silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), eastern red bat 
(Lasiurus borealis), and southeastern bat (Myotis austroriparius).
    The impacts of WNS on North American bat populations have been

[[Page 17995]]

substantial. Service and State biologists estimate that at least 5.7 
million to 6.7 million bats of several species have died from WNS 
(Service 2012, p. 1). Dzal et al. (2011, p. 393) documented a 78 
percent decline in the summer activity of little brown bats in New York 
State, coinciding with the arrival and spread of WNS, suggesting large-
scale population effects. Turner et al. (2011, p. 22) reported an 88 
percent decline in the number of all hibernating bats at 42 sites 
across New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. 
Furthermore, Frick et al. (2010a, p. 681) concluded that the little 
brown bat, formerly the most common bat in the northeastern United 
States, is undergoing catastrophic declines in the region due to WNS, 
and is at risk of regional extirpation in the near future. Similarly, 
Thogmartin et al. (2013, p. 171) predicted that WNS is likely to 
extirpate the federally endangered Indiana bat over large parts of its 
range. While recent models by Ingersoll et al. (2013, p. 8) have raised 
some questions about the status of bat populations prior to the arrival 
of WNS, the empirical evidence from surveys of six species of 
hibernating bats in New York State, revealed populations that were 
likely stable or increasing prior to the emergence of WNS (Service 
2011, p. 1). Subsequent to the emergence of WNS, decreases in some 
species of bats at affected hibernacula have ranged from 30 to 100 
percent (Frick et al. 2010a, p. 680; Turner et al. 2011, pp. 16-19, 
22).
    The pattern of spread of WNS has generally followed predictable 
trajectories along recognized migratory pathways and overlapping summer 
ranges of hibernating bat species, with some exception. The range 
expansion of WNS and Pd has not only been limited to known migratory 
movements of bats. Kunz and Reichard (2010, p. 12) assert that WNS is 
spread and transmitted mainly through bat-to-bat contact; however, 
evidence suggests that fungal spores can be transmitted by humans (USGS 
National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), Wildlife Health Bulletin 2011-
05, unpaginated), and bats can also become infected by coming into 
contact with contaminated cave substrate (Darling and Hicks 2012, pers. 
comm.).
    White-nose syndrome is caused by the psychrophilic (cold-loving) 
fungus Pd, which is likely exotic to North America, and only recently 
arrived on the continent (Puechmaille et al. 2011, p. 8; Foster, pers. 
comm.; Warnecke et al. 2012, p. 7001). The fungus grows on and within 
exposed soft tissues of hibernating bats (Lorch et al. 2011, p. 376; 
Gargas et al. 2009, pp. 147-154), and the resulting mycelium 
(vegetative part of fungus) is the white filamentous growth visible on 
the muzzle, ears, or flight membranes (wings and tail) of affected bats 
that is characteristic of WNS. Epidermal (skin) erosions that are 
filled with fungal hyphae (branching, filamentous structures of fungi) 
are the diagnostic standard for WNS (Blehert et al. 2009, p. 227; 
Meteyer 2009, p. 412). Pd grows optimally at temperatures from 5 to 16 
[deg]C (41 to 61 [deg]F), the same temperature range at which North 
American bats typically hibernate (Blehert et al. 2009, p. 227; Verant 
et al. 2012, p. 4). The temperature in caves that serve as bat 
hibernacula ranges from 2 to 14 [deg]C (36 to 57 [deg]F), permitting 
year-round persistence and growth of the fungus on cave substrates, 
allowing such hibernacula to serve as a reservoir for maintaining the 
fungus through summer months in the absence of bats (Blehert et al. 
2009, p. 227; Reynolds et al. 2015, unpaginated). Growth is relatively 
slow at optimal temperatures (5 to 16 [deg]C (41 to 61 [deg]F)), and no 
growth occurs at temperatures above 21.4 [deg]C (75 [deg]F) (Blehert et 
al. 2009, p. 227; Verant et al. 2012, pp. 4, 6). Although Pd does not 
grow above 21.4 [deg]C, it is known to remain viable for extended 
periods of time above that temperature (Lorch et al. 2013, p. 237; Hoyt 
et al. 2014, pp. 2-3). Declines in Indiana bats have been greater under 
more humid conditions, suggesting that growth of the fungus and either 
intensity or prevalence of infections are higher in more humid 
conditions (Langwig et al. 2012, p. 1055). However, the effect of 
humidity on impacts of WNS in bat populations may vary among species. 
Furthermore, fungal load and prevalence varies among species in WNS-
infected sites (Langwig et al. 2015, p. 4).
    Although Pd has been isolated from numerous bat species in Europe, 
it is hypothesized that these species have evolved in the presence of 
the fungus (Wibbelt et al. 2010, p. 1241). Pikula et al. (2012, p. 210) 
confirmed that bats found dead in the Czech Republic exhibited lesions 
consistent with WNS infection; however, the authors also stated that 
the lesions were not believed to have contributed to the cause of death 
for those individuals. In all, there are now 12 European bat species, 
including one Rhinolophid in the sub-order Megachiroptera, that have 
been confirmed with the WNS disease (Zukal et al. 2014, p. 8) (based on 
the case definitions established in North America (USGS, NWHC 2014, 
unpaginated)), although no mortality has been documented to date in 
Europe. This point illustrates the fact that Pd is capable of infecting 
a wide variety of bat hosts across a large spatial scale.
    Bats affected by WNS are characterized by some or all of the 
following signs: (1) Excessive or unexplained mortality at or near the 
hibernaculum; (2) visible fungal growth on wing and tail membranes, the 
muzzle, or the ears of live or recently dead bats; (3) abnormal 
behaviors including conspicuous daytime activity outside of the 
hibernaculum, shifts of large numbers to the cold areas near the 
entrance or elsewhere in the hibernaculum, and decreased arousal with 
human disturbance inside hibernaculum (torpid bats responding to noise 
and vibrations in the cave); (4) moderate to severe wing damage in 
nontorpid bats; and (5) and depleted fat reserves by mid-winter (USGS, 
NWHC 2012, p. 1; Service 2011, p. 2). Although the exact process or 
processes by which WNS leads to death remains unconfirmed, we do know 
that the fungal infection is responsible, and it is possible that 
reduced immune function during torpor compromises the ability of 
hibernating bats to combat the infection (Bouma et al. 2010, p. 623; 
Moore et al. 2011, p. 10; Moore et al. 2013, pp. 6-7; Reeder et al. 
2012, p. 8; Johnson et al. 2014, unpaginated). It has also been 
hypothesized that immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) 
causes mortality when systemic Pd-infections established during torpor 
initiate a massive inflammatory response when the infected bat emerges 
from hibernation (Meteyer et al. 2012, pp. 585, 587).
    No information was known about Pd and WNS prior to 2007. Early 
working hypotheses demonstrated that it was not known whether WNS-
affected bats before the hibernation season began or if bats arrived at 
hibernacula sites unaffected and entered hibernation with sufficient 
fat stores (WNS Science Strategy Group 2008, p. 7). Hibernating bats 
rely on stored fats to survive winter months, when insect prey is not 
available. In a related study, 12 of 14 bats (10 little brown bats, 1 
big-brown bat, and 1 tri-colored bat) had appreciable degree of fat 
stores, even though they were infected with WNS and were on the lower 
end of the normal range of body weight (Courtin et al. 2010, p. 214). 
Further research has lead scientists to suggest that bats are capable 
of clearing fungal infections during the summer in some areas, and are 
likely re-infected with Pd when they return to swarming sites or 
hibernacula in the fall (Langwig et al. 2015, p. 6). However, Dobony 
(2014, pers. comm.) noted the presence of viable Pd in a maternity 
roost throughout summer

[[Page 17996]]

months, indicating that in some situations bats can be exposed to the 
fungus year-round. Boyles and Willis (2010, pp. 92-98) hypothesized 
that infection by Pd alters the normal arousal cycles of hibernating 
bats, particularly by increasing arousal frequency, duration, or both. 
In fact, Reeder et al. (2012, p. 5) and Warnecke et al. (2012, p. 2) 
observed an increase in arousal frequency in laboratory studies of 
hibernating bats infected with Pd. A disruption of this torpor-arousal 
cycle could cause bats to metabolize fat reserves too quickly, thereby 
leading to starvation (Warnecke et al. 2012, p. 4). The root cause of 
these increased arousal bouts remains under investigation, but some 
have suggested that skin irritation from the fungus might cause bats to 
arouse and remain out of torpor for longer than normal to groom (Boyles 
and Willis 2010, p. 93). Routine arousal bouts serve to maintain 
critical conditions like water balance and immune function; however, 
arousals are energetically costly, and anything resulting in greater 
energy expenditure has the potential to cause mortality.
    It has also been hypothesized that resulting mortality from 
infection of Pd is due specifically to fungal infection of bats' wings. 
Cryan et al. (2010, pp. 135-142) suggests that mortality may be caused 
by catastrophic disruption of wing-dependent physiological functions. 
The authors also hypothesized that Pd may cause dehydration, trigger 
thirst-associated arousals, cause significant circulatory and 
thermoregulatory disturbance, disrupt respiratory gas exchange, and 
destroy wing structures necessary for flight control (Cryan et al. 
2010, p. 141). Further, the wings of winter-collected WNS-affected bats 
often reveal signs of infection, and the degree of damage observed 
suggests functional impairment (Willis et al. 2011, pp. 370-371; Cryan 
et al. 2010, pp. 137-138). In related research, Cryan et al. (2013, p. 
398) found that electrolytes tended to decrease as wing damage 
increased in severity; electrolytes are necessary for maintaining 
physiological homeostasis, and any imbalance could be life-threatening 
(Cryan et al. 2013, p. 398). Again, although the exact proximate 
mechanism by which WNS affects bats is still under investigation, the 
fact that it can result in death for many hibernating bat species is 
well documented.
Effects of White-Nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-Eared Bat
    The northern long-eared bat is susceptible to WNS, and mortality of 
northern long-eared bats due to the disease has been confirmed 
throughout the majority of the WNS-affected range (Ballmann 2013, pers. 
comm.; Last 2013, pers. comm.). The observed spread of WNS in North 
America has been rapid, with the fungus that causes the disease (Pd) 
expanding over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) from the first documented 
evidence in New York in February 2006, to 28 States and 5 Canadian 
provinces by February 2015. Pd now affects an estimated 60 percent of 
the northern long-eared bat's total geographic range, and is expected 
to continue to spread at a similar rate through the rest of the range 
(Service 2015, unpublished data). WNS has been confirmed in 25 of the 
37 States (does not include the District of Columbia) in the range of 
northern long-eared bat. Furthermore, although WNS has not been 
confirmed in Rhode Island or the District of Columbia, those areas are 
entirely surrounded by WNS.
    Although there is some variation in spread dynamics and the impact 
of WNS on bats when it arrives at a new site, we have no information to 
suggest that any site within the known range of the northern long-eared 
bat would be unsusceptible to the arrival of Pd. There is some evidence 
that microclimate may affect fungal and disease progression and there 
is a possibility that certain conditions may hinder disease progression 
in infected bats at some sites, but the degree to which this can be 
predicted at continental scales remains uncertain. Given the 
appropriate amount of time for exposure, WNS appears to have had 
similar levels of impact on northern long-eared bats everywhere the 
species has been documented with the disease. Therefore, absent direct 
evidence to suggest that some northern long-eared bats that encounter 
Pd do not contract WNS, available information suggests that the species 
will be impacted by WNS everywhere in its range.
    Northern long-eared bats may favor small cracks or crevices in cave 
ceilings, making locating them more challenging during hibernacula 
surveys than other species that are typically found in clusters in open 
areas (e.g., little brown bat, Indiana bat). However, winter surveys 
represent the best available data for assessing population trends for 
this species (Ingersoll et al. 2013, p. 9; Herzog 2015, pers. comm.). 
Progression from the detection of a few bats with visible fungus to 
widespread mortality may take a few weeks to 2 years (Turner et al. 
2011, pp. 20-21). Although there is variation in when the decline is 
observed (e.g., a few weeks to 2 years after detection of the disease), 
there appears to be little or no variation as to whether a decline 
happens (Service 2014, unpublished data). Microclimate inside the cave, 
duration and severity of winter, hibernating behavior, body condition 
of bats, genetic structure of the colony, and other variables may 
affect the timeline and severity of impacts at the site level. However, 
there is no evidence to date that any of these variables would greatly 
delay or reduce mortality in infected colonies.
    WNS has been present in the eastern portion of the northern long-
eared bat's range the longest; therefore, there is a greater amount of 
post-WNS hibernacula and summer data available from that region to 
discuss and examine the impacts of the disease on the species. Turner 
et al. (2011, p. 22) compared the most recent pre-WNS count to the most 
recent post-WNS count for 6 cave bat species and reported a 98 percent 
total decline in the number of hibernating northern long-eared bats at 
30 hibernacula in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West 
Virginia through 2011. Data analyzed in this study were limited to 
sites with confirmed WNS mortality for at least 2 years and sites with 
comparable survey effort across pre- and post-WNS years.
    The Service conducted an analysis of additional survey information 
at 103 sites across 12 U.S. States and Canadian provinces (New York, 
Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, Virginia, New Hampshire, 
Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, and 
Quebec) and found comparable declines in winter colony size. All 103 
sites analyzed had historical records of northern long-eared bat 
presence, at least one survey in the 10-year period before WNS was 
detected, and at least one survey conducted 2 or more years after WNS 
was detected (Service 2014, unpublished data). In these sites, total 
northern long-eared bat counts declined by an average of 96 percent 
after the arrival of WNS; 68 percent of the sites declined to zero 
northern long-eared bats, and 92 percent of sites declined by more than 
50 percent. Similarly, Frick et al. (2015, p. 6) documented that 
northern long-eared bats are now considered extirpated from 69 percent 
of the hibernacula (in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
Virginia, and West Virginia) that had colonies of northern long-eared 
bats prior to WNS. Similar observations have been documented over 
several years. In a study by Langwig et al. (2012, p. 1054), 14 
populations of northern long-eared bats in New York, Vermont, and 
Connecticut became locally extinct within 2 years due to disease, and 
no

[[Page 17997]]

population was remaining 5 years post-WNS (Langwig et al. 2012, p. 
1054). In addition, Langwig (2014, in litt.) stated that, in more than 
50 caves and mines surveyed in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, 
Virginia, and Illinois, the northern long-eared bat is extirpated from 
all sites (that had continuous population counts) where WNS has been 
present for more than 4 years. Hibernacula surveys conducted in 
Pennsylvania in 2013 revealed a 99 percent decline (637 to 5 bats) at 
34 sites where northern long-eared bats were known to hibernate prior 
to WNS (PGC 2013, unpublished data). In the Northeast, where WNS has 
been present for 5 or more years, the northern long-eared bat is only 
rarely encountered on the summer landscape. For example, in Vermont, 
the species was the second most common bat in the State before WNS, and 
it is now one of the least likely to be encountered (VFWD 2014, in 
litt.). Northern long-eared bats were also widespread throughout New 
York prior to WNS; however, post-WNS captures of this species have 
declined dramatically (approximately 93 percent) in the eastern part of 
the State (NYSDEC 2012, unpublished data). The one potential exception 
in New York is the Long Island population, where the species continues 
to be found in small numbers during summer surveys. However, these 
observations are unproven at this point and are the basis for ongoing 
research. Long-term summer data (including pre- and post-WNS) for the 
northern long-eared bat, where available, corroborate the population 
decline observed during hibernacula surveys. For example, summer 
surveys from 2005-2011 near Surry Mountain Lake in New Hampshire showed 
a 98 percent decline in capture success of northern long-eared bats 
post-WNS, which is similar to the hibernacula data for the State (a 95 
percent decline) (Moosman et al. 2013, p. 554). Likewise, summer 
monitoring in Virginia from 2009 to present has revealed that declines 
in northern long-eared bats were not observed by VDGIF until 2 years 
after the severe declines were observed during winter and fall 
monitoring efforts in the State (Reynolds 2013, pers. comm.). These 
trends provide context for the indices of abundance of northern long-
eared bats reported in States such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia, 
where the arrival of Pd at sites has been prolonged over several years 
(Miller-Butterworth et al. 2014). For example, in Pennsylvania, 
declines of 99 percent of northern long-eared bats counted in winter 
surveys corresponded with declines of 76 percent in summer capture 
rates; additionally, the decline in summer captures continues at an 
average rate of 15 percent annually (PGC 2014, in litt.). The fact that 
similar severe declines are documented in both summer and winter 
estimates demonstrates that northern long-eared bats are succumbing to 
WNS both at conspicuous hibernacula where they are surveyed and at 
undocumented hibernacula where they are not monitored directly.
    Early reports from WNS-affected States in the Midwest reveal that 
similar rates of decline in northern long-eared bats are already 
occurring or are fast approaching. As reported in the Distribution and 
Relative Abundance section, above, in the two Ohio mines where an 
estimated 90 percent of Ohio's winter bat population hibernates, 
northern long-eared bat numbers decreased by 94 percent (combined for 
both hibernacula) from pre-WNS average counts (ODNR 2014, unpublished 
data). During the summer, ODNR Statewide acoustic surveys show a 
decline in northern long-eared bats of 56 percent since the pre-WNS 
years (ODNR 2014, unpublished data). Summer capture rates of northern 
long-eared bats from mist-net surveys (mostly conducted for Indiana bat 
presence) have declined by 58 percent per mist-net site post-WNS 
(Service 2014, unpublished data). Also, at two Illinois' major 
hibernacula, significant mortality of northern long-eared bats was 
observed in the first year after WNS was first detected, and the 
population at one site experienced a 97 percent decline, while the 
population decline at the second site was over 99 percent (Illinois 
Department of Natural Resources 2014, unpublished data).
    As stated in the Distribution and Relative Abundance section, 
above, in the southern portion of the species' range, it is difficult 
to draw conclusions about winter population trends pre- and post- WNS 
introduction (due to a lack of surveys, historical variability of 
winter populations, or lack of standardized data); however, northern 
long-eared bat mortality associated with WNS has been observed at sites 
in Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Also, some 
declines have been documented via hibernacula surveys in this region. 
For example, at a hibernaculum in Arkansas, mortality of northern long-
eared bats was documented in the first year of known infection with Pd 
(Sasse 2014, pers. comm.). Over 70 percent of the 185 northern long-
eared bats tested for the presence of Pd in Tennessee hibernacula 
between 2011 and 2014 were found to have Pd (Bernard 2014, in litt.). 
Also, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2014 capture rates of 
northern long-eared bats in comparison to 2009-2012 declined by 71 to 
94 percent (across all sites) based on unit of effort comparisons (NPS 
2014, in litt.; Indiana State University 2015, in litt.). Summer 
population trends are also difficult to summarize at this time, due to 
a lack of surveys or standardized data, although long-term data at 
localized sites have shown declines in northern long-eared bats.
    All models of WNS spread dynamics predict that Pd, and hence the 
disease, will continue to spread (Maher et al. 2012, pp. 5-7; Ihlo 
2013, unpublished; Hallam et al., unpublished). These models estimate 
the disease will cover the entirety of the northern long-eared bat's 
range (within the models limited geographic limits (the United States)) 
by sometime between 2 and about 40 years (although estimating WNS 
arrival dates was not a primary objective of the analysis; Maher et al. 
2012, pp. 5-7; Ihlo 2013, unpublished; Hallam et al., unpublished). 
However, these models all have significant limitations (e.g., failure 
to account for: Transmission through non-cave hibernacula, spread 
through Canada, and various biological aspects of disease 
transmission), and in many instances have either overestimated 
(predicted WNS would impact later) or underestimated the time at which 
WNS would arrive in counties that have become infected since the model 
was published. WNS arrived to surveyed sites 1 to 5 years (mean=2 
years) earlier than predicted or when predicted by the Ihlo (2013, 
unpublished) model. WNS arrived 1 to 4 years later (mean=1 year) than 
predicted by Maher et al. (2012, pp. 1-8) in approximately 75 counties; 
1 to 46 years earlier (mean=5 years) than predicted in approximately 75 
counties; and when predicted in approximately 25 counties. For example, 
Pd was documented in Jasper County, Mississippi, in 2014, 45 years in 
advance of predictions by Maher et al. (2012). Maher (2014, in litt.) 
also commented that the spread rate of Pd may increase with longer 
winters, suggesting that spread of Pd in the northern portion of the 
northern long-eared bat's range with longer winters would be faster 
than in portions with shorter winters.
    As described, there are limitations and uncertainties with relying 
on these models to predict the rate at which the fungus will spread to 
currently unaffected areas. Thus, we instead relied on the observed 
rate of spread to date of Pd to develop a calculation of projected rate 
of spread through the

[[Page 17998]]

remaining portion of the northern long-eared bat's range. WNS was first 
recorded in a cave in New York in 2006. Based on the observed spread of 
Pd from its point of origin in New York that has occurred to date, the 
area affected by Pd in North America is expanding at an average rate of 
roughly 175 miles (280 km) per year. At this average rate of spread, Pd 
can be expected to occur throughout the range of the northern long-
eared bat in an estimated 8 to 9 years from December 2014. The COSEWIC 
used a similar method to calculate spread in their assessment of 3 bat 
species; they estimated that the entire range of the northern long-
eared bat would be infected within 12 to 15 years (COSEWIC 2013, p. 
xiv) from November 2013.
    Northern long-eared bats exhibit behaviors (e.g., hibernating 
solitarily or in small clusters, using alternative hibernacula) that 
have been hypothesized to potentially limit exposure to Pd and reduce 
the impacts of WNS; however, there currently is no empirical evidence 
to suggest that these behaviors have mitigated the impacts of WNS, and 
the northern long-eared bat has been found to be one of the most highly 
susceptible bat species to WNS (Langwig et al. 2015, p. 4). Griffin 
(1945) reported that northern long-eared bats hibernate in 
``unsuspected retreats,'' away from large colonies of other species and 
where caves and mines are not present, suggesting they may be able to 
limit exposure to Pd. In the southern extent of their range, northern 
long-eared bats have been documented sporadically arousing from torpor 
throughout the winter and moving between hibernacula (Griffin 1940a, p. 
185; Whitaker and Rissler 1992a, p. 131; Caceres and Barclay 2000, pp. 
2-3). It has been suggested that these periodic arousals provide a 
hypothetical mechanism by which fungal growth, and resulting infection, 
may be limited. However, as described in the ``Hibernation'' section 
under Biology, above, northern long-eared bats prefer to hibernate at 
temperatures between 0 and 9 [deg]C (Raesly and Gates 1987, p. 18; 
Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 2; Brack 2007, p. 744), which falls within 
the optimal growth limits of Pd, 5 and 16 [deg]C (41 and 
61[emsp14][deg]F) (Blehert et al. 2009, p. 227; Verant et al. 2012, p. 
4), making them susceptible to WNS infection once exposed to Pd, 
regardless of hibernaculum type. Northern long-eared bats also roost in 
areas within hibernacula that have higher humidity. Cryan et al. (2010, 
p. 138) suggested this roosting preference may be due to the northern 
long-eared bat's high intrinsic rates of evaporative water loss during 
torpor. Langwig et al. (2012, p. 1055) suggested that these more humid 
conditions could explain why northern long-eared bats actually 
experience higher rates of infection than other species, such as 
Indiana bats.
    Northern long-eared bats have been reported to enter hibernation in 
October or November, but sometimes return to hibernacula as early as 
August, and emerge in March or April (Caire et al. 1979, p. 405; 
Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 100; Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 72). 
This extended period of time (in comparison to many other cave bat 
species that have been less impacted by WNS) may explain observed 
differences in fungal loads of Pd when compared to less susceptible 
species because the fungus has more time to infect bats and grow. 
Langwig et al. (2015, p. 4) determined that nearly 100 percent of 
northern long-eared bats sampled in 30 hibernacula across 6 States (New 
York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Illinois) 
were infected with Pd early in the hibernation period, and that 
northern long-eared bats had the highest Pd-load of any other species 
in these sites. Similar patterns of high prevalence and fungal load in 
northern long-eared bats were reported by Bernard (2014, pers. comm.; 
Bernard 2014, in litt.) for bats surveyed outside of hibernacula in 
Tennessee during the winter. Furthermore, the northern long-eared bat 
occasionally roosts in clusters or in the same hibernacula as other bat 
species that are also susceptible to WNS (see the ``Hibernation'' 
section under Biology, above,) and are susceptible to bat-to-bat 
transmission of WNS.
    Information provided to the Service by a number of State agencies 
demonstrates that the area currently (as of 2015) affected by WNS 
likely constitutes the core of the species' range, where densities of 
northern long-eared bats were highest prior to WNS. Further, it has 
been suggested that the species was considered less common or rare in 
the extreme southern, western, and northwestern parts of its range 
(Caceres and Barclay 2000, p. 2; Harvey 1992, p. 35), areas where WNS 
has not yet been detected. The northern long-eared bat has been 
extirpated from hibernacula where WNS, has been present for a 
significant number of years (e.g., 5 years), and has declined 
significantly in other hibernacula where WNS has been present for only 
a few years. A corresponding decline on the summer landscape has also 
been witnessed. As WNS expands to currently uninfected areas within the 
range of northern long-eared bat, there is the expectation that the 
disease, wherever found, will continue to negatively affect the 
species. WNS is the predominant threat to the northern long-eared bat 
rangewide, and it is likely to spread to the entirety of the species' 
range.
II. Other Diseases
    Infectious diseases observed in North American bat populations 
include rabies, histoplasmosis, St. Louis encephalitis, and Venezuelan 
equine encephalitis (Burek 2001, p. 519; Rupprecht et al. 2001, p. 14; 
Yuill and Seymour 2001, pp. 100, 108). Rabies is the most studied 
disease of bats, and can lead to mortality, although antibody evidence 
suggests that some bats may recover from the disease (Messenger et al. 
2003, p. 645) and retain immunological memory to respond to subsequent 
exposures (Turmelle et al. 2010, p. 2364). Bats are hosts of rabies in 
North America (Rupprecht et al. 2001, p. 14), accounting for 24 percent 
of all wild animal cases reported during 2009 (Blanton et al. 2010, p. 
648). Although rabies is detected in up to 25 percent of bats submitted 
to diagnostic labs for testing, less than 1 percent of bats sampled 
randomly from wild populations test positive for the virus (Messenger 
et al. 2002, p. 741). Northern long-eared bat is among the species 
reported positive for rabies virus infection (Constantine 1979, p. 347; 
Burnett 1989, p. 12; Main 1979, p. 458); however, rabies is not known 
to have appreciable effects to the species at a population level.
    Histoplasmosis has not been associated with the northern long-eared 
bat and may be limited in this species compared to other bats that form 
larger aggregations with greater exposure to guano-rich substrate (Hoff 
and Bigler 1981, p. 192). St. Louis encephalitis antibody and high 
concentrations of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus have been 
observed in big brown bats and little brown bats (Yuill and Seymour 
2001, pp. 100, 108), although data are lacking on the prevalence of 
these viruses in northern long-eared bats. Equine encephalitis has been 
detected in northern long-eared bats (Main 1979, p. 459), although no 
known population declines have been found due to presence of the virus. 
Northern long-eared bats are also known to carry a variety of pests 
including chiggers, mites, bat bugs, and internal helminthes (Caceres 
and Barclay 2000, p. 3). However, the level of mortality caused by WNS 
far exceeds mortality from all other known diseases and pests of the 
northern long-eared bat.

[[Page 17999]]

Predation
    Animals such as owls, hawks, raccoons, skunks, and snakes prey upon 
bats, although a limited number of animals consume bats as a regular 
part of their diet (Harvey et al. 1999, p. 13). Northern long-eared 
bats are believed to experience a small amount of predation; therefore, 
predation does not appear to be a population changing cause of 
mortality (Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 4; Whitaker and Hamilton 1998, p. 
101).
    Predation has been observed at a limited number of hibernacula 
within the range of the northern long-eared bat. Of the State and 
Federal agency responses received pertaining to northern long-eared bat 
hibernacula and threat of predation, 1 hibernaculum in Maine, 3 in 
Maryland (2 of which were due to feral cats), 1 in Minnesota, and 10 in 
Vermont were reported as being prone to predation. In one instance, 
domestic cats were observed killing bats at a hibernaculum used by 
northern long-eared bat in Maryland, although the species of bat killed 
was not identified (Feller 2011, unpublished data). Turner (1999, 
personal observation) observed a snake (species unknown) capture an 
emerging Virginia big-eared bat in West Virginia. Tuttle (1979, p. 11) 
observed (eastern) screech owls (Otus asio) capturing emerging gray 
bats. Northern long-eared bats are known to be affected to a small 
degree by predators at summer roosts. Carver and Lereculeur (2013, pp. 
N6-N7) observed predation of a northern long-eared bat by a gray rat 
snake during the summer; Sparks et al. (2003, pp. 106-107) described 
attempts by raccoons to prey on both Indiana bats and evening bats. 
Avian predators, such as owls and magpies, have been known to 
successfully take individual bats as they roost in more open sites, 
although this most likely does not have an effect on the overall 
population size (Caceres and Pybus 1997, p. 4). In summary, because 
bats are not a primary prey source for any known natural predators, it 
is unlikely that predation has substantial effects on the species at 
this time.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Disease or Predation
    As mentioned above, WNS is responsible for unprecedented mortality 
in some species of hibernating bats in eastern North America, including 
the northern long-eared bat, and the disease continues to spread. In 
2011, the Service, in partnership with several other State, Federal, 
and Tribal agencies, finalized a national response plan for WNS (A 
National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in 
Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats; https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/national-plan/white-nose-syndrome-national-plan) to provide a common framework for the investigation and 
management of WNS (Service 2011, p. 1). In 2012, a sister plan was 
finalized for the national response to WNS in Canada (A National Plan 
to Manage White Nose Syndrome in Bats in Canada; https://www2.ccwhc.ca/publications/Canadian%20WNS%20Management%20Plan.pdf), allowing for a 
broader coordinated response to the disease throughout the two 
countries. The multi-agency, multi-organization WNS response team, 
under the U.S. National Plan and in coordination with Canadian 
partners, has and continues to develop recommendations, tools, and 
strategies to slow the spread of WNS, minimize disturbance to 
hibernating bats, and improve conservation strategies for affected bat 
species. Some of these products include: Decontamination protocols; 
cave management strategies and best management practices (BMPs); 
forestry BMPs; nuisance wildlife control operator BMPs; transportation 
and bridge BMPs; hibernacula microclimate monitoring recommendations; 
wildlife rehabilitator BMPs; and a bat species ranking document for 
conservation actions. These containment and other strategies are 
intended to slow the spread of WNS and allow time for development of 
management options. The multi-agency, multi-partner National WNS 
Decontamination protocol (https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/topics/decontamination) was developed to provide specific procedures to 
minimize the risk of transmitting the fungus when conducting work 
involving close direct contact with bats, their environments, or 
associated materials. In addition to bat-to-bat transmission of the 
disease agent, fungal spores can also be transmitted by human actions 
(USGS NWHC, Wildlife Health Bulletin 2011-05, unpaginated), and 
decontamination remains one of the only management options available to 
reduce the risk of human-assisted transmission. Decontamination 
protocols have been integrated into other protocols and BMPs that 
involve close direct contact with bats or their environments.
    In 2009, the Service also issued a recommendation for a voluntary 
moratorium on all caving activity in States known to have hibernacula 
affected by WNS, and all adjoining States, unless conducted as part of 
an agency-sanctioned research or monitoring project (Service 2009, 
entire). These recommendations have been reviewed annually and a 
revised version, including a multi-agency endorsement through the 
national WNS Steering Committee, is expected to be completed soon. 
Though not mandatory or required, many State, Federal, and Tribal 
agencies, along with other organizations and entities, operating within 
the northern long-eared bat's range have incorporated the 
recommendations and protocols in the WNS National Plan in their own 
local response plans. The Western Bat Working Group, for example, has 
developed a White-nose Syndrome Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy 
to prevent the spread of WNS that covers States currently outside the 
range of WNS (Western Bat Working Group 2010, pp. 1-11).
    The NPS is currently updating their cave management plans (for 
parks with caves) to include actions to minimize the risk of WNS 
spreading to uninfected caves. These actions include WNS education, 
screening visitors for disinfection, and closure of caves if necessary 
(NPS 2013, https://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/WNS). In April 2009, all 
caves and mines on USFS lands in the Eastern and Southern Regions were 
closed on an emergency basis in response to the spread of WNS, and 
closures on other USFS lands have been announced as well. In 2014, the 
closure order was extended for 5 more years in the USFS's Southern 
Region. Eight National Forests in the Eastern Region contain caves or 
mines that are used by bats; caves and mines on seven of these National 
Forests (Allegheny, Hoosier, Ottawa, Mark Twain, Monongahela, Shawnee, 
and Wayne) were closed, and no closure is needed for the one mine on 
the eighth National Forest (Green Mountain) because it is already gated 
with a bat-friendly structure. Forest supervisors continue to evaluate 
the most recent information on WNS to inform decisions regarding 
extending cave and mine closures for the purpose of slowing the spread 
of WNS and reducing the impacts of disturbance on WNS-affected bat 
populations (USFS 2013, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/plants-animals/wildlife/?cid=stelprdb5438954). Caves and mines on USFS lands 
in the Rocky Mountain Region were closed on an emergency basis in 2010, 
in response to WNS, but since then have been reopened (USFS 2013, 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/home/?cid=stelprdb5319926). In place 
of the emergency closures, the Rocky Mountain Region will implement an 
adaptive management strategy that will

[[Page 18000]]

require registration to access an open cave, prohibit use of clothing 
or equipment used in areas where WNS is found, require decontamination 
procedures prior to entering any and all caves, and require closure of 
all known hibernacula caves during the winter hibernation period. 
Although the above-mentioned WNS-related conservation measures may help 
reduce or slow the spread of the disease, these efforts are not 
currently enough to ameliorate the population-level effects to the 
northern long-eared bat.
    Research is also under way to develop control and treatment options 
for WNS-infected bats and environments. A number of potential 
treatments are currently being explored and are in various stages of 
development. Risks to other biota or the environment need to be 
assessed when considering disease management trials in a field setting. 
No treatment strategies have been tested on the northern long-eared 
bat, to date, and there remains no demonstrated safe or effective 
treatment for WNS. It remains unknown whether treatment of bats may 
increase survival or allow the northern long-eared bat to survive 
exposure to the pathogen. Potential treatment of the northern long-
eared bat will be further complicated by the dispersed winter roosting 
habits of the species and difficulty finding the species in 
hibernacula. Further, no treatment in development has demonstrated any 
potential to allow a species to adapt to the presence of the pathogen. 
More research and coordination is needed to address the safety and 
effectiveness of any treatment proposed for field use and to meet 
regulatory requirements prior to consideration of widespread 
application. Therefore, a landscape-scale approach to reduce the 
impacts of WNS is still at least a few years away.
Summary of Disease and Predation
    The northern long-eared bat is highly susceptible to white-nose 
syndrome and mortality of the species due to the disease has been 
documented throughout the majority of its range. WNS is caused by the 
nonnative fungus Pd, which is believed to have originated in Europe. 
WNS has been found in 25 States and 5 Canadian provinces since first 
discovered in New York in 2007, and at least seven bat species are 
confirmed to be susceptible in North America. The fungus that causes 
WNS has been documented in an additional three States. WNS infection, 
characterized by visible fungal growth on the bat, alters the normal 
arousal cycles of hibernating bats, causes severe wing damage, and 
depletes fat reserves, and it has resulted in substantial mortality of 
North American bat populations.
    The effect of WNS on northern long-eared bats has been especially 
severe and has caused mortality in the species throughout the majority 
of the WNS-affected range. This is currently viewed as the predominant 
threat to the species, and if WNS had not emerged or was not affecting 
northern long-eared bat populations to the level that it has, we 
presume the species would not be declining to the degree observed. A 
recent study revealed that the northern long-eared bat has experienced 
a precipitous population decline, estimated at approximately 96 percent 
(from hibernacula data) in the northeastern portion of its range, due 
to the emergence of WNS. WNS has spread to approximately 60 percent of 
the northern long-eared bat's range in the United States, and if the 
observed average rate of spread of Pd continues, the fungus will be 
found in hibernacula throughout the entire species' range within 8 to 
13 years based on the calculated rate of spread observed to date (by 
both the Service and COSEWIC). We expect that similar declines as seen 
in the East and portions of the Midwest will be experienced in the 
future throughout the rest of the species' range. There has been a 
sustained and coordinated effort between partners (e.g., Federal, 
State, Canada, nongovernment) to curtail the spread of WNS, and while 
these measures may reduce or slow the spread of WNS, these efforts are 
currently not enough to ameliorate the population-level effects on the 
northern long-eared bat. Also, research is under way to develop control 
and treatment options for WNS-infected bats and hibernacula; however, 
additional research is needed before potential treatments are 
implemented on a landscape scale.
    Other diseases are known or suspected to infect northern long-eared 
bats, but none is known to have appreciable effects on the species. 
Also, it is unlikely that predation is significantly affecting the 
species at this time.

Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Under this factor, we examine whether existing regulatory 
mechanisms are inadequate to address the threats to the species 
discussed under the other factors. Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act 
requires the Service to take into account ``those efforts, if any, 
being made by any State or foreign nation, or any political subdivision 
of a State or foreign nation, to protect such species. . . .'' In 
relation to Factor D under the Act, we interpret this language to 
require the Service to consider relevant Federal, State, and tribal 
laws, regulations, and other such mechanisms that may reduce any of the 
threats we describe in threat analyses under the other four factors. We 
give strongest weight to statutes and their implementing regulations 
and to management direction that stems from those laws and regulations. 
An example would be State governmental actions enforced under a State 
statute or constitution, or Federal action under statute.
    Having evaluated the significance of the threat as mitigated by any 
such conservation efforts, we analyze under Factor D the extent to 
which existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate to address the 
specific threats to the species. Regulatory mechanisms, if they exist, 
may reduce or eliminate the effects from one or more identified 
threats. In this section, we review existing State, Federal, and local 
regulatory mechanisms to determine whether they effectively reduce or 
remove threats to the northern long-eared bat.
    No existing regulatory mechanisms have been shown to sufficiently 
protect the species against WNS, the primary threat to the northern 
long-eared bat; thus, despite regulatory mechanisms that are currently 
in place, the species is still at risk. There are, however, some 
mechanisms in place to provide some protection from other factors that 
may act cumulatively with WNS. As such, the discussion below provides a 
few examples of such existing regulatory mechanisms.
Canadian Laws and Regulations
    In 2014, the northern long-eared bat was determined, under an 
emergency assessment, to be endangered under the Canadian Species at 
Risk Act (SARA) (Species at Risk Public Registry 2014). The SARA makes 
it an offense to kill, harm, harass, capture, or take an individual of 
a listed species that is endangered or threatened; possess, collect, 
buy, sell, or trade an individual of a listed species that is 
extirpated, endangered, or threatened, or its part or derivative; or to 
damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a listed 
endangered or threatened species or of a listed extirpated species if a 
recovery strategy has recommended its reintroduction. For most of the 
species listed under SARA, including the northern long-eared bat, the 
prohibitions on harm to individuals and destruction of residences are 
limited to Federal lands.

[[Page 18001]]

U.S. Federal Laws and Regulations
    Several laws and regulations help Federal agencies protect bats on 
their lands, such as the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act (16 
U.S.C. 4301 et seq.) that protects caves on Federal lands and the 
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) review, 
which serves to mitigate effects to bats due to construction activities 
on federally owned lands. The NPS has additional laws, policies, and 
regulations that protect bats on NPS units, including the NPS Organic 
Act of 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), NPS management policies (related to 
exotic species and protection of native species), and NPS policies 
related to caves and karst systems (provides guidance on placement of 
gates on caves not only to address human safety concerns, but also for 
the preservation of sensitive bat habitat) (Plumb and Budde 2011, 
unpublished data). Even if a bat species is not listed under the Act, 
the NPS works to minimize effects to the species. In addition, the NPS 
Research Permitting and Reporting System tracks research permit 
applications and investigator annual reports, and NPS management 
policies require non-NPS studies conducted in parks to conform to NPS 
policies and guidelines regarding the collection of bat data (Plumb and 
Budde 2011, unpublished data).
    The northern long-eared bat is considered a ``sensitive species'' 
throughout the USFS's Eastern Region (USFS 2012, https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5384459.pdf). As such, 
the northern long-eared bat must receive, ``special management emphasis 
to ensure its viability and to preclude trends toward endangerment that 
would result in the need for Federal listing. There must be no effects 
to sensitive species without an analysis of the significance of adverse 
effects on the populations, its habitat, and on the viability of the 
species as a whole. It is essential to establish population viability 
objectives when making decisions that would significantly reduce 
sensitive species numbers'' (Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2672.1, https://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/fsm/2600/2672-2672.24a.txt).
State Laws and Regulations
    The northern long-eared bat is listed in few of the States within 
the species' range. The northern long-eared bat is listed as endangered 
under the Massachusetts endangered species act, under which all listed 
species are, ``protected from killing, collecting, possessing, or sale 
and from activities that would destroy habitat and thus directly or 
indirectly cause mortality or disrupt critical behaviors.'' In 
addition, listed animals are specifically protected from activities 
that disrupt nesting, breeding, feeding, or migration (Massachusetts 
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 2012, unpublished document). In 
Wisconsin, all cave bats, including the northern long-eared bat, were 
listed as threatened in the State in 2011, due to previously existing 
threats and the impending threat of WNS (Redell 2011, pers. comm.). It 
is illegal to take, transport, possess, process, or sell any wild 
animal that is included on the Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened 
Species List without a valid endangered or threatened species permit. 
Certain development projects (e.g., wind energy), however, are excluded 
from regulations that are in place to protect the species in Wisconsin 
(WDNR, unpublished document, 2011, p. 4). In Vermont, the northern 
long-eared bat was provided protection by being listed as endangered 
under the Vermont endangered species law. Except where authorized by 
separate chapters of the law, the Vermont law states, ``a person shall 
not take, possess or transport wildlife or plants that are members of 
an endangered or threatened species.'' The northern long-eared bat is 
considered as some form of species of concern in 18 States: ``Species 
of Greatest Concern'' in Alabama and Rhode Island; ``Species of 
Greatest Conservation Need'' in Delaware, Iowa, and Michigan; ``Species 
of Concern'' in Ohio and Wyoming; ``Rare Species of Concern'' in South 
Carolina; ``Imperiled'' in Oklahoma; ``Critically Imperiled'' in 
Louisiana; ``Species of Conservation Concern'' in Missouri, and 
``Species of Special Concern'' in Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, New 
Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. In Kansas, 
the State has been petitioned to evaluate the northern long-eared bat 
as ``threatened'' in accordance with the Kansas Nongame and Endangered 
Species Act.
    In the following States, there is either no State protection law or 
the northern long-eared bat is not protected under the existing law: 
Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, 
Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North 
Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In Kentucky, although 
the northern long-eared bat does not have a State listing status, it is 
considered protected from take under Kentucky State law.
    Wind energy development regulation varies by State within the 
northern long-eared bat's range. For example, in Virginia, although 
there are not currently any wind energy developments in the State, new 
legislation requires operators to ``measure the efficacy'' of 
mitigation, with the objective of reducing bat fatalities (Reynolds 
2011, unpublished data). In Vermont, all wind energy facilities are 
required to conduct bat mortality surveys, and at least two of the 
three currently permitted wind facilities in the State include 
application of operational adjustments (curtailment) to reduce bat 
fatalities (Smith 2011, unpublished data). Other States, many of which 
have expansive wind energy development, have no regulatory program for 
wind energy projects.
Summary of Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    No existing regulatory mechanisms have been shown to sufficiently 
protect the species against WNS, the primary threat to the northern 
long-eared bat. Therefore, despite regulatory mechanisms that are 
currently in place for the northern long-eared bat, the species is 
still at risk, primarily due to WNS, as discussed under Factor C.

Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued 
Existence

Wind Energy Development
    Significant bat mortality has been witnessed associated with 
utility-scale (greater than or equal to 0.66 megawatt (MW)) wind 
turbines along forested ridge tops in the eastern and northeastern 
United States and in agricultural areas of the Midwest (Johnson 2005, 
p. 46; Arnett et al. 2008, p. 63; Cryan 2011, p. 364; Arnett and 
Baerwald 2013, p. 441; Hayes 2013, p. 977; Smallwood 2013, p. 26). 
Recent estimates of bat mortality from wind energy facilities vary 
considerably depending on the methodology used and species of bat. 
Arnett and Baerwald (2013 p. 443) estimated that 650,104 to 1,308,378 
bats had been killed at wind energy facilities in the United States and 
Canada as of 2011, and expected another 196,190 to 395,886 would be 
lost in 2012. Other bat mortality estimates range from ``well over 
600,000 . . . in 2012'' (Hayes 2013, p. 977; [but see Huso and Dalthorp 
2014, p. 546-547]) to 888,000 bats per year (Smallwood 2013, p. 26), 
and mortality can be expected to increase as more turbines are 
installed on the landscape. The majority of bats killed include 
migratory foliage-roosting species the

[[Page 18002]]

hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and eastern red bat, and the migratory, 
tree- and cavity-roosting silver-haired bat (Arnett et al. 2008, p. 64; 
Cryan 2011 p. 364; Arnett and Baerwald 2013, p. 444).
    The Service reviewed post-construction mortality monitoring studies 
at 62 unique operating wind energy facilities in the range of the 
northern long-eared bat in the United States and Canada. In these 
studies, 41 northern long-eared bat mortalities were documented, 
comprising less than 1 percent of all bat mortalities. Northern long-
eared bat mortalities were detected throughout the study range, 
including: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, 
Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. Northern long-eared bat 
mortalities were detected at 29 percent of the facilities studied. 
There is a great deal of uncertainty related to extrapolating these 
numbers to generate an estimate of total northern long-eared bat 
mortality at wind energy facilities due to variability in post-
construction survey effort and methodology (Huso and Dalthorp 2014, pp. 
546-547). Bat mortality can vary between years and between sites, and 
detected carcasses are only a small percentage of total bat 
mortalities. Despite these limitations, Arnett and Baerwald (2013, p. 
444) estimated that wind energy facilities in the United States and 
Canada killed between 1,175 and 2,433 northern long-eared bats from 
2000 to 2011.
    The number of bats actually killed at the facilities discussed 
above is certainly larger than the 41 individuals that were found. Only 
a portion of carcasses are found during post-construction mortality 
surveys, most studies only cover a 1- or 2-year period at a single 
site, and only some facilities conduct monitoring and make the results 
available to the Service (Cryan 2011, pp. 368-369). Additionally, if 
mortality occurs at a specific wind facility in a given year, it is 
reasonable to expect that mortality will occur throughout the 
operational life of the wind facility (approximately 20 years). 
Sustained annual mortality of individual northern long-eared bats at a 
particular wind facility could result in impacts to local populations.
    There are three impacts of wind turbines that may explain proximate 
causes of bat fatalities, which include: (1) Bats collide with turbine 
towers; (2) bats collide with moving blades; or (3) bats suffer 
internal injuries (barotrauma) after being exposed to rapid pressure 
changes near the trailing edges and tips of moving blades (Cryan and 
Barclay 2009, p. 1331). Researchers have recently indicated that 
traumatic injury, including bone fractures and soft tissue trauma 
caused by collision with moving blades, is the major cause of bat 
mortality at wind energy facilities (Rollins et al. 2012, pp. 365, 368; 
Grodsky et al. 2011, p. 920). Grodsky et al. (2011, p. 924) suggested 
that these injuries can lead to an underestimation of bat mortality at 
wind energy facilities due to delayed lethal effects. However, the 
authors also noted that the surface and core pressure drops behind the 
spinning turbine blades are high enough (equivalent to sound levels 
that are 10,000 times higher in energy density than the threshold of 
pain in humans) to cause significant ear damage to bats flying near 
wind turbines (Grodsky et al. 2011, p. 924). Bats suffering from ear 
damage would have a difficult time navigating and foraging, as both of 
these functions depend on the bats' ability to echolocate (Grodsky et 
al. 2011, p. 924). While earlier papers indicated that barotrauma may 
also be responsible for a considerable portion of bat mortality at wind 
energy facilities (Baerwald et al. 2008, pp. 695-696), in a more recent 
study, researchers found only 6 percent of wind turbine killed bats at 
one site were possibly killed by barotrauma (Rollins et al. 2012, p. 
367). In a separate study, Grodsky et al. (2011, p. 920 and 922) found 
that 74 percent of carcasses had bone fractures and more than half had 
mild to severe hemorrhaging in the middle or inner ears; thus it is 
difficult to attribute individual fatalities exclusively to either 
direct collision or barotrauma.
    Wind energy development is rapidly increasing throughout the 
northern long-eared bat's range. Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, 
Kansas, and New York are within the top 10 States for wind energy 
capacity (installed megawatts) in the United States (AWEA 2013, 
unpaginated). There is a national movement towards a 20 percent wind 
energy sector in the U.S. market by 2030 (United States Department of 
Energy (US DOE)2008, unpaginated). Through 2012, wind energy has 
achieved its goals in installation towards the targeted 20 percent by 
2030 (AWEA 2015, unpaginated). If the target is achieved, it would 
represent nearly a five-fold increase in wind energy capacity during 
the next 15 years (Loss et al. 2013, pp. 201-209). While locations of 
future wind energy projects are largely influenced by ever-changing 
economic factors and are difficult to predict, sufficient wind regimes 
exist to support wind power development throughout the range of the 
northern long-eared bat (US DOE 2015, unpaginated), and wind 
development can be expected to increase throughout the range in future 
years. Wind energy facilities have been constructed in areas within a 
large portion of the range of the northern long-eared bat, thus this 
species is exposed to the risk of turbine-related mortality. However, 
northern long-eared bats are rarely detected as mortalities, even in 
areas where they are known to be common on the landscape.
    We conclude that there may be adverse effects posed by wind energy 
development to northern long-eared bats; however, there is no evidence 
suggesting effects from wind energy development itself has led to 
population-level declines in this species. Further, given the low 
mortality rates experienced and estimated, we believe northern long-
eared bats are not as vulnerable to mortality from wind turbines as 
other species of bats (e.g., hoary bat, silver-haired bat, red bat, big 
brown bat, little brown bat, and tricolored bat). However, sustained 
annual mortality of individual northern long-eared bats at a particular 
wind energy facility could result in negative impacts to local 
populations.
Climate Change
    Our analyses under the Act include consideration of observed or 
likely environmental effects related to ongoing and projected changes 
in climate. As defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 
(IPCC), ``climate'' refers to average weather, typically measured in 
terms of the mean and variability of temperature, precipitation, or 
other relevant properties over time, and ``climate change'' thus refers 
to a change in such a measure that persists for an extended period, 
typically decades or longer, due to natural conditions (e.g., solar 
cycles) or human-caused changes in the composition of the atmosphere or 
in land use (IPCC 2013, p. 1450). Detailed explanations of global 
climate change and examples of various observed and projected changes 
and associated effects and risks at the global level are provided in 
reports issued by the IPCC (2014 and citations therein); information 
for the United States at national and region levels is summarized in 
the National Climate Assessment (Melillo et al. 2014 entire and 
citations therein; see Melillo et al. 2014, pp. 28-45 for an overview). 
Because observed and projected changes in climate at regional and local 
levels vary from global average conditions, rather than using global 
scale projections we use ``downscaled'' projections when they are 
available and have been developed through appropriate scientific 
procedures, because such projections provide higher

[[Page 18003]]

resolution information that is more relevant to spatial scales used for 
analyses of a given species and the conditions influencing it (see 
Melillo et al. 2014, Appendix 3, pp. 760-763 for a discussion of 
climate modeling, including downscaling). In our analysis, we use our 
expert judgment to weigh the best scientific and commercial data 
available in our consideration of relevant aspects of climate change 
and related effects.
    The unique life-history traits of bats and their susceptibility to 
local temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns make them an 
early warning system for effects of climate change in regional 
ecosystems (Adams and Hayes 2008, p. 1120). Climate influences food 
availability, timing of hibernation, frequency and duration of torpor, 
rate of energy expenditure, reproduction, and rates of juvenile bat 
development (Sherwin et al. 2013, p. 178). Climate change may lead to 
warmer winters, which could lead to a shorter hibernation period, 
increased winter activity, and reduced reliance on the relatively 
stable temperatures of underground hibernation sites (Jones et al. 
2009, p. 99). An earlier spring would presumably result in a shorter 
hibernation period and the earlier appearance of foraging bats (Jones 
et al. 2009, p. 99). An earlier emergence from hibernation may have no 
detrimental effect on populations if sufficient food is available 
(Jones et al. 2009, p. 99); however, predicting future insect 
population dynamics and distributions is complex (Bale et al. 2002, p. 
6). Alterations in precipitation, stream flow, and soil moisture could 
alter insect populations and, therefore, food availability for bats 
(Rodenhouse et al. 2009, p. 250).
    Climate change is expected to alter seasonal ambient temperatures 
and precipitation patterns across regions (Adams and Hayes 2008, p. 
1115), which could lead to shifts in the range of some bat species 
(Loeb and Winters 2013, p. 107; Razgour et al. 2013, p. 1262). Suitable 
roost temperatures and water availability are directly related to 
successful reproduction in female insectivorous bats (Adams and Hayes 
2008, p. 1116). Adams (2010, p. 2440) reported decreased reproductive 
success in female insectivorous bats in response to decreased 
precipitation. In contrast, Burles et al. (2009, p. 136) and Lucan et 
al. (2013, p. 154) reported decreased reproductive success in response 
to increased precipitation in little brown bats and Daubenton's bats 
(Myotis daubentonii), respectively. Annual precipitation in the 
northeast United States is projected to either remain stable or 
increase, although projections are highly variable (Frumhoff et al. 
2007, p. 8). However, in comparison, Adams and Hayes (2008, p. 1120) 
predict an overall decline in bat populations in the western United 
States from reduced regional water storage caused by climate warming.
    Warmer winter temperatures may also disrupt bat reproductive 
physiology. Northern long-eared bats breed in the fall, and spermatozoa 
are stored in the uterus of hibernating females until spring ovulation. 
If bats experience warmer hibernating conditions they may arouse 
prematurely, ovulate, and become pregnant (Jones et al. 2009, p. 99). 
Given this dependence on external temperatures, climate change is 
likely to affect the timing of reproductive cycles (Jones et al. 2009, 
p. 99), but making generalizations about the level of risk associated 
with changes in bat reproduction due to climate change is difficult 
(Sherwin et al. 2013, p. 176). Sherwin et al. (2013, p. 176) postulates 
that warmer climates may benefit female bats by causing earlier birth 
and weaning of young, allowing more time to mate and store fat reserves 
in preparation for hibernation. Research by Frick et al. (2010b, p. 
133) supports this theory, whereby the authors showed giving birth 
earlier had significant fitness benefits, given that young born in 
early summer had a higher probability of surviving and breeding in 
their first year than pups born later in the summer.
    The role of climate change in the spread of WNS is largely unknown. 
A shortened hibernation period and warmer winter temperatures may 
shorten exposure time and slow the spread of WNS. However, using three 
standard IPCC scenarios (Special Report: Emissions Scenarios (SRES) B1, 
least change in climate; A1B, intermediate change; and A2, most 
change), Maher et al. (2012, p. 6) showed accelerated spread of WNS 
under all scenarios relative to projections based on observed data.
    Although we have information that suggests that climate change may 
affect the northern long-eared bat, we do not have evidence suggesting 
that climate change in itself has led to population declines; 
furthermore, the spread of WNS across the species' range is occurring 
rapidly, so discerning effects from climate change may be difficult.
Contaminants
    Effects to bats from contaminant exposure have likely occurred and 
gone, for the most part, unnoticed in bat populations (Clark and Shore 
2001, p. 204). Contaminants of concern to insectivorous bats like 
northern long-eared bats include organochlorine pesticides, 
organophosphate, carbamate and neonicotinoid insecticides, 
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers 
(PBDEs), pyrethroid insecticides, and inorganic contaminants such as 
mercury (Clark and Shore 2001, pp. 159-214).
    Detectable levels of organochlorine pesticides have been reported 
in northern long-eared bats (Eidels et al. 2007, p. 52). Organochlorine 
pesticides (e.g., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), chlordane) 
persist in the environment due to lipophilic (fat-loving) properties, 
and, therefore, readily accumulate within the fat tissue of bats. 
Because insectivorous bats have high metabolic rates, associated with 
flight and small size, their food intake increases the amount of 
organochlorines available for concentration in the fat (Clark and Shore 
2001, p. 166). Because bats are long-lived, the potential for 
bioaccumulation is great, and effects on reproduction have been 
documented (Clark and Shore 2001, pp. 181-190). In maternity colonies, 
young bats appear to be at the greatest risk of mortality. This is 
because organochlorines become concentrated in the fat of the mother's 
milk and these chemicals continually and rapidly accumulate in the 
young as they nurse (Clark 1988, pp. 410-411).
    In addition to indirect effects of organochlorine pesticides on 
bats via prey consumption, documented cases of direct effects involve 
application of pesticides to bats and their roosts. For example, when a 
mixture of DDT and chlordane was applied to little brown bats and their 
roost site, mortality from exposure was observed (Kunz et al. 1977, p. 
478). Most organochlorine pesticides have been banned in the United 
States, and time trend analysis indicates that these pesticides have 
declined significantly over the 30 years since these compounds were 
restricted (Bayat et al. 2014, pp. 46-47).
    Organochlorine pesticides have largely been replaced by 
organophosphate insecticides, which are generally short-lived in the 
environment and do not accumulate in food chains; however, risk of 
exposure is still possible from direct exposure from spraying or 
ingesting insects that have recently been sprayed but have not died, or 
both (Clark 1988, p. 411). Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides 
are acutely toxic to mammals. Some organophosphates may be stored in 
fat tissue and contribute to ``organophosphate-induced delayed 
neuropathy'' in humans (United States Environmental Protection Agency 
2013, p. 44). Bats may lose their motor

[[Page 18004]]

coordination from direct application and are unlikely to survive in the 
wild in an incapacitated state lasting more than 24 hours (Plumb and 
Budde 2011, unpublished data). Northern long-eared bats may be exposed 
to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in regions where methyl 
parathion is applied in cotton fields and where malathion is used for 
mosquito control (Plumb and Budde 2011, unpublished data). The 
organophosphate, chlorpyrifos, has high fat solubility and is commonly 
used on crops such as corn and soybeans (van Beelen 2000, p. 34 of 
Appendix 2; https://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/usage/maps/show_map.php?year=2009&map=CHLORPYRIFOS&hilo=L).
    Neonicotinoids have been found to cause oxidative stress, 
neurological damage and possible liver damage in rats, and immune 
suppression in mice (Kimura-Kuroda et al. 2011, p. 381; Duzguner and 
Erdogan 2012, p. 58; Badgujar et al. 2013, p. 408). Due to information 
indicating that there is a link between neonicotinoids used in 
agriculture and a decline in bee numbers, the European Union proposed a 
2-year ban on the use of the neonicotinoids, thiamethoxam, 
imidacloprid, and clothianidin on crops attractive to honeybees, 
beginning in December of 2013 (Bergeson and Campbell PC, https://www.lawbc.com/regulatory-developments/entry/proposal-for-restriction-of-neonicotinoid-products-in-the-eu/).
    The more recently developed ``third generation'' of pyrethroids 
have acute oral toxicities rivaling the toxicity of organophosphate, 
carbamate and organochlorine pesticides. These pyrethroids include: 
Esfenvalerate, deltamethrin, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, flucythrinate, 
cyhalothrin, and fenpropathrin (Mueller-Beilschmidt 1990, p. 32). 
Pyrethroids are increasingly used in the United States, and some of 
these compounds have very high fat solubility (e.g., bifenthrin, 
cypermethrin) (van Beelen 2000, p. 34 of Appendix 2).
    Like the organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PBDEs are highly 
lipophilic and therefore readily accumulate in insectivorous bats. 
Measured concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs in little brown bats were 
high, in the parts-per-million range, in both WNS-infected and non-
infected bats (Kannan et al. 2010, p. 617). High exposures to 
persistent organic pollutants can potentially be associated with 
various health effects, including immunosuppression, behavioral 
anomalies, and contaminant-induced enhancement of metabolic rate in 
bats (Kannan et al. 2010, p. 617). Outside of laboratory experiments, 
there is no conclusive evidence that bats have been killed by PCBs, 
although effects on reproduction have been observed (Clark and Shore 
2001, pp. 192-194).
    Northern long-eared bats forage on emergent insects and can be 
characterized as occasionally foraging over water (Yates and Evers 
2006, p. 5), and, therefore, are at risk of exposure to bioaccumulation 
of inorganic contaminants (e.g., cadmium, lead, mercury) from 
contaminated water bodies. Bats tend to accumulate inorganic 
contaminants due to their diet and slow means of elimination of these 
compounds (Plumb and Budde 2011, unpublished data). In Virginia, for 
example, the North Fork Holston River is a water body that was highly 
contaminated by a waterborne point source of mercury through 
contamination by a chlor-alkali plant. Based on findings from a pilot 
study for bats in 2005 (Yates and Evers 2006), there is sufficient 
information to conclude that bats from near-downstream areas of the 
North Fork Holston River have potentially harmful body burdens of 
mercury, although the effect on bats is unknown. Yates et al. (2014, 
pp. 46-49) collected over 2,000 tissue samples from 10 species of bats 
in the northeast United States. The highest mercury levels in fur and 
blood samples were detected in tri-colored, little brown, and northern 
long-eared bats. Divoll et al. (in prep) found that northern long-eared 
bats showed consistently higher mercury levels than little brown bats 
or eastern red bats sampled in Maine, which may be correlated with 
gleaning behavior and the consumption of spiders by northern long-eared 
bats. Bats recaptured during the study one or 2 years after their 
original capture maintained similar levels of mercury in fur year-to-
year. Biologists suggest that individual bats accumulate body burdens 
of mercury that cannot be reduced once elevated to a certain threshold.
    Exposure to holding ponds containing flow-back and produced water 
associated with hydraulic fracturing operations may also expose bats to 
toxins, radioactive material, and other contaminants (Hein 2012, p. 8). 
Cadmium, mercury, and lead are contaminants reported in hydraulic 
fracturing operations. Whether bats drink directly from holding ponds 
or contaminants are introduced from these operations into aquatic 
ecosystems, bats will presumably accumulate these substances and 
potentially suffer adverse effects (Hein 2012, p. 9).
    A recent review on organic contaminants in bats by Bayat et al. 
(2014, pp. 40-52) ``suggests that bats today are exposed generally to 
lower contaminant concentrations, but that these can manifest in a 
range of sub-lethal neurological and physiological changes that may 
impact bat survival. Defining concentration endpoints for sub-lethal 
impacts, especially for the emerging contaminants, and linking these to 
effects on bat function, behavior or survival, and long term impacts on 
populations is limited.'' In summary, the best available data indicate 
that contaminant exposure may cause adverse effects to northern long-
eared bats, but if population declines have occurred due to these 
factors, they have not been discernable.
Prescribed Burning
    Eastern forest-dwelling bat species, such as the northern long-
eared bat, likely evolved with fire management of mixed-oak ecosystems 
(Perry 2012, p. 182). A recent review of prescribed fire and its 
effects on bats (USFS 2012, p. 182) generally found that fire had 
beneficial effects on bat habitat. Fire may create snags for roosting 
and creates more open forests conducive to foraging on flying insects 
(Perry 2012, pp. 177-179), although gleaners such as northern long-
eared bats may readily use cluttered understories for foraging (Owen et 
al. 2003, p. 355). Cavity and bark roosting bats, such as the northern 
long-eared, use previously burned areas for both foraging and roosting 
(Johnson et al. 2009a, p. 239; Johnson et al. 2010, p. 118). In 
Kentucky, the abundance of prey items for northern long-eared bats 
increased after burning (Lacki et al. 2009, p. 1170), and more roosts 
were found in post-burn areas (Lacki et al. 2009, p. 1169). Burning may 
create more suitable snags for roosting through exfoliation of bark 
(Johnson et al. 2009a, p. 240), mimicking trees in the appropriate 
decay stage for roosting bats. In contrast, a prescribed burn in 
Kentucky caused a roost tree used by a radio-tagged female northern 
long-eared bat to prematurely fall after its base was weakened by 
smoldering combustion (Dickinson et al. 2009, p. 56). Low-intensity 
burns may not kill taller trees directly but may create snags of 
smaller trees and larger trees may be injured, resulting in 
vulnerability (of the tree) to pathogens that cause hollowing of the 
trunk, which provides roosting habitat (Perry 2012, p. 177). Prescribed 
burning also opens the tree canopy, providing more canopy light 
penetration (Boyles and Aubrey 2006, p. 112; Johnson et al. 2009a, p. 
240), which may facilitate faster development of juvenile bats

[[Page 18005]]

(Sedgeley 2001, p. 434). Although Johnson et al. (2009a, p. 240) found 
the amount of roost switching did not differ between burned and 
unburned areas, the rate of switching in burned areas of every 1.35 
days was greater than that found in other studies (every 2 to 3 days) 
(Foster and Kurta 1999, p. 665; Owen et al. 2002, p. 2; Carter and 
Feldhamer 2005, p. 261; Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119).
    Direct effects of fire on bats likely differ among species and 
seasons (Perry 2012, p. 172). Northern long-eared bats have been seen 
flushing from tree roosts shortly after ignition of prescribed fire 
during the growing season (Dickinson et al. 2009, p. 60). Fires of 
reduced intensity that proceed slowly allow sufficient time for 
roosting bats to arouse from sleep or torpor and escape the fire 
(Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2200), although extra arousals from fire 
smoke could cause increased energy loss (Dickinson et al. 2009, p. 52). 
During prescribed burns, bats are potentially exposed to heat and 
gases; the roosting behavior of this species, however, may reduce its 
vulnerability to toxic gases. When trees are dormant, the bats are 
roosting in caves or mines (hibernacula can be protected from toxic 
gases through appropriate burn plans), and during the growing season, 
northern long-eared bats roost in tree cavities or under bark above the 
understory, above the area with the highest concentration of gases in a 
low-intensity prescribed burn (Dickinson et al. 2010, pp. 2196, 2200). 
Carbon monoxide levels did not reach critical thresholds that could 
harm bats in low-intensity burns at the typical roosting height for the 
northern long-eared bat (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2196); thus, heat 
effects from prescribed fire are of greater concern than gas effects on 
bats. Direct heat could cause injury to the thin tissue of bat ears and 
is more likely to occur than exposure to toxic gas levels during 
prescribed burns (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2196). In addition, fires 
of reduced intensity with shorter flame height could lessen the effect 
of heat to bats roosting higher in trees (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 
2196). Winter, early spring, and late fall generally contain less 
intense fire conditions than during other seasons and coincide with 
time periods when bats are less affected by prescribed fire due to low 
activity in forested areas. Furthermore, no young are present during 
these times, reducing the likelihood of heat injury to vulnerable young 
to fire (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2200). Prescribed fire objectives, 
such as fires with high intensity and rapid ignition in order to meet 
vegetation goals, must be balanced with the exposure of bats to the 
effects of fire (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2201). Currently, the 
Service and USFS strongly recommend not burning in the central 
hardwoods from mid- to late April through summer to avoid periods when 
bats are active in forests (Dickinson et al. 2010, p. 2200).
    Bats that occur in forests are likely equipped with evolutionary 
characteristics that allow them to exist in environments with 
prescribed fire. Periodic burning can benefit habitat through snag 
creation and forest canopy gap creation, but frequency and timing need 
to be considered to avoid direct and indirect adverse effects to bats 
when using prescribed burns as a management tool. Adverse impacts to 
individual bats during the active season could be significantly reduced 
through development of appropriate burn plans that avoid and minimize 
heat production during prescribed burns. We conclude that there may be 
adverse effects posed by prescribed burning to individual northern 
long-eared bats; however, there is no evidence suggesting effects from 
prescribed burning itself have led to population declines.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Other Natural or Manmade Factors 
Affecting Its Continued Existence
    In the Midwest, rapid wind energy development is a concern with 
regard to its effect on bats (Baker 2011, pers. comm.; Kath 2012, pers. 
comm.). Due to the known impacts from wind energy development, in 
particular to listed (and species currently being evaluated to 
determine if listing is warranted) bird and bat species in the Midwest, 
the Service, State natural resource agencies, and wind energy industry 
representatives are developing the MSHCP. The planning area includes 
the Midwest Region of the Service, which includes all of the following 
States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, 
and Wisconsin. The MSHCP would allow permit holders to proceed with 
wind energy development, which may result in ``incidental'' taking of a 
listed species under section 10 of the Act, through issuance of an 
incidental take permit (77 FR 52754; August 30, 2012). Currently, the 
northern long-eared bat is included as a covered species under the 
MSHCP. The MSHCP will address protection of covered species through 
avoidance, minimization of take, and mitigation to offset ``take'' 
(e.g., habitat preservation, habitat restoration, habitat enhancement) 
to help ameliorate the effect of wind development (77 FR 52754; August 
30, 2012). In some cases, the USFS has agreed to limit or restrict 
burning in the central hardwoods from mid- to late April through summer 
to avoid periods when bats are active in forests (Dickinson et al. 
2010, p. 2200).
Summary of Factor E
    Using the best scientific and commercial data available, we have 
identified a number of natural or manmade factors that may have direct 
or indirect effects on the continued existence of northern long-eared 
bats.
    Wind energy facilities have been built throughout a large portion 
of the range of northern long-eared bats, and have been found to cause 
mortality of northern long-eared bats. While mortality estimates vary 
between sites and years, sustained mortality at particular sites could 
result in negative impacts to local populations. Overall, northern 
long-eared bats are rarely detected as mortalities at wind facilities; 
however, there is a great amount of uncertainty associated with 
extrapolating detected northern long-eared bat mortalities to total bat 
mortalities. Also, wind energy development within the species' range is 
projected to continue to increase in future years.
    Climate change may also affect this species, as northern long-eared 
bats are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, 
and precipitation. Impacts from climate change may also indirectly 
affect the northern long-eared bat due to changes in food availability, 
timing of hibernation, and reproductive cycles, along with other 
factors, all of which may contribute to a shift in suitable habitat.
    Environmental contaminants, in particular insecticides, pesticides, 
and inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and lead, may also have 
detrimental effects on northern long-eared bats. Contaminants may 
bioaccumulate (become concentrated) in the tissues of bats, potentially 
leading to a myriad of sublethal and lethal effects.
    Northern long-eared bats likely evolved with fire in their habitat, 
and thus may benefit from fire-created habitat. However, there are 
potential negative effects from prescribed burning, including direct 
mortality. Therefore, when using prescribed burning as a management 
tool, fire frequency, timing, location, and intensity should all be 
considered in relation to the northern long-eared bat.
    There is currently no evidence that these natural or manmade 
factors would have significant population-level effects on the northern 
long-eared bat when

[[Page 18006]]

considered alone. However, these factors may have a cumulative effect 
on this species when considered in concert with WNS, as this disease 
has led to dramatic northern long-eared bat population declines (see 
Factor C discussion, above). While there have been conservation efforts 
attempting to reduce the potential mortality of northern long-eared 
bats, particularly involving wind energy development and prescribed 
burning, these factors may still affect this species when considered 
cumulatively with white-nose syndrome (discussed below, in ``Cumulative 
Effects from Factors A through E'').
Cumulative Effects From Factors A Through E
    WNS (Factor C) is the primary factor affecting the northern long-
eared bat and has led to dramatic and rapid population-level effects on 
the species. WNS is the most significant threat to the northern long-
eared bat, and the species would likely not be imperiled were it not 
for this disease. However, although the effects on the northern long-
eared bat from Factors A, B, and E, individually or in combination, do 
not have significant effects on the species, when combined with the 
significant population reductions due to white-nose syndrome (Factor 
C), they may have a cumulative effect on this species at a local 
population scale.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Listing Rule

    Based on our review of the public comments, comments from other 
Federal and State agencies, peer review comments, issues raised at the 
public hearing, and new relevant information that has become available 
since the October 2, 2013, publication of the proposed rule, we have 
reevaluated our proposed listing rule and made changes as appropriate. 
Other than minor clarifications and incorporation of additional 
information on the species' biology and populations, this determination 
differs from the proposal in the following ways:
    (1) Based on our analyses of the potential threats to the species, 
we have determined that the northern long-eared bat does not meet the 
definition of an endangered species, contrary to our proposed rule 
published on October 2, 2013 (78 FR 61046).
    (2) Based on our analyses, we have determined that the species 
meets the definition of a threatened species. Therefore, on the 
effective date of this final listing rule (see DATES, above), the 
species will be listed as a threatened species in the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11(h).
    (3) We have further refined the estimated timeframe during which Pd 
(the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome) is expected to spread 
throughout the range of the northern long-eared bat.
    (4) We have expanded the discussion of white-nose syndrome and the 
effects of white-nose syndrome on the northern long-eared bat under 
Factor C.
    (5) We have included additional (most recent available) survey data 
for the species in the Distribution and Relative Abundance section, 
above.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations on the Proposed Listing Rule

    In the proposed listing rule published on October 2, 2013, we 
requested that all interested parties submit written comments on the 
proposal by December 2, 2013. Following that first 60-day comment 
period, we held four additional public comment periods (see 78 FR 
72058, December 2, 2013; 79 FR 36698, June 30, 2014; 79 FR 68657, 
November 18, 2014; 80 FR 2371, January 16, 2015) totaling an additional 
180 days for public comments, with the final comment period closing on 
March 17, 2015. We also contacted appropriate Federal and State 
agencies, scientific experts and organizations, and other interested 
parties and invited them to comment on the proposed listing. Newspaper 
notices inviting general public comment were published in multiple 
newspapers throughout the range of the species. We received a request 
for a public hearing; we held a public hearing on December 2, 2014, in 
Sundance, Wyoming. All substantive information provided during comment 
periods has either been incorporated directly into this final 
determination or is addressed below. Comments pertaining to the 
proposed 4(d) rule will be addressed in the final 4(d) rule, and are 
not included here.
Peer Reviewer Comments
    In accordance with our peer review policy published on July 1, 1994 
(59 FR 34270), we solicited expert opinion from seven knowledgeable 
individuals with scientific expertise that included familiarity with 
the northern long-eared bat and its habitat, biological needs, and 
threats. We received responses from four of the peer reviewers.
    We reviewed all comments we received from the peer reviewers for 
substantive issues and new information regarding the listing of the 
northern long-eared bat. The peer reviewers generally concurred with 
our methods and conclusions in the proposed listing rule, and provided 
additional information, clarifications, and suggestions to improve the 
final listing rule. Peer reviewer comments are addressed in the 
following summary and are incorporated into the final rule as 
appropriate. Specific recommended edits were added under the 
corresponding section in the final listing rule.
    (1) Comment: Peer reviewers (and other commenters) concurred with 
the Service's assessment that factors other than white-nose syndrome 
are not believed to be contributing to the current decline of the 
species rangewide. However, they believed that there could be localized 
impacts from these other stressors and that cumulative impacts may 
result from these other factors, in addition to white-nose syndrome, 
due to a diminished population. Several public commenters further 
stressed that these additional threats will become proportionately more 
harmful to the species after the onset of WNS, and protection from 
these other threats may affect whether the species can stabilize post-
WNS.
    Our Response: WNS is the most significant threat to the northern 
long-eared bat, and the species would likely not be imperiled were it 
not for this disease. Thus, the Service proposed listing the northern 
long-eared bat due primarily to the impacts of WNS. As stated by 
commenters, other activities may impact northern long-eared bats as 
well; however, we conclude that these factors are not believed to be 
independently impacting the species rangewide. However, although the 
effects on the northern long-eared bat from Factors A, B, and E, 
individually or in combination, do not have significant effects on the 
species, when combined with the significant population reductions due 
to white-nose syndrome (Factor C), they may have a cumulative effect on 
this species at a local population scale.
    (2) Comment: Peer reviewers encouraged the Service to conduct a 
more extensive literature review. Other commenters also recommended a 
more extensive literature search and provided citations for relevant 
literature not included in the proposed listing rule. One reviewer 
suggested we review literature on the species' habitat requirements, 
and suggested that the species is more flexible than described in the 
proposed listing rule. One reviewer recommended, in particular, a more 
thorough review of literature related to bat community ecology or bat 
response to forest management where northern long-eared bats are one of 
many species examined.

[[Page 18007]]

    Our Response: We have reviewed the literature provided by 
commenters and incorporated this information into this final listing 
rule, where appropriate. We also conducted further literature searches 
to determine if there was additional available literature relevant to 
the species' biology or the factors affecting its status, and 
incorporated that information into this final listing rule. In 
particular, we updated sections with the most recent literature 
pertaining to the predominant threat to the species, white-nose 
syndrome, and the resulting impact of the disease on the northern long-
eared bat.
    (3) Comment: One peer reviewer stated that it is critical to point 
out that these bats day-roost in an ephemeral resource (snags and 
cavity-trees), and, therefore, they are adapted to handle the dynamic 
nature of roost longevity and loss of roosts from disturbance in 
temperate forest systems.
    Our Response: Northern long-eared bats are flexible in their tree 
species roost selection, and roost trees are an ephemeral resource; 
therefore, the species would be expected to tolerate some loss of 
roosts provided suitable alternative roosts are available. However, the 
impact of loss of roosting or foraging habitat within northern long-
eared bat home ranges is expected to vary, depending on the scope of 
removal. See the ``Summer Habitat'' section under Factor A, above, for 
a more detailed discussion.
    (4) Comment: One peer reviewer commented that the literature cited 
that is posted at https://www.regulations.gov was not complete, with 
several references in the text not appearing in the literature cited 
section, and many of the unpublished reports that are cited are 
unobtainable.
    Our Response: We corrected this and added these missing references, 
in addition to any new references used in this final listing rule, to 
the literature cited list. A complete list of references cited in this 
rulemaking is available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
and upon request from the Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office 
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    The Act and our regulations do not require us to use only peer-
reviewed literature, but instead require us to use the best scientific 
data available in a listing determination. We used information from 
many different sources, including articles in peer-reviewed journals, 
scientific status surveys and studies completed by qualified 
individuals, Master's thesis research that has been reviewed but not 
published in a journal, other unpublished governmental and 
nongovernmental reports, reports prepared by industry, personal 
communication about management or other relevant topics, conservation 
plans developed by States and counties, biological assessments, other 
unpublished materials, experts' opinions or personal knowledge, and 
other sources. You may request a copy of many of these unpublished 
reports by contacting the Service's Twin Cities Ecological Services 
Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Unpublished reports 
that we have used in making our listing determination include survey 
information that has been received from State agencies, which the 
public can request directly from these State agencies.
    (5) Comment: Peer reviewers agreed that white-nose syndrome likely 
will spread throughout the range of the northern long-eared bat. One 
peer reviewer suggested that the rate of spread (through bat-to-bat 
contact) may slow in western areas, where hibernacula are not as 
abundant. ``Barriers provided by the Great Lakes and isolation from 
major cave areas in North America are presumably the reasons that the 
fungus has not yet reached the populations in northern Wisconsin and 
northern Michigan, and the lower density of hibernacula in the Great 
Plains may slow the spread in a similar way. However, there is no 
biological reason to believe that the disease will not spread 
throughout the entire range of the species.''
    Our Response: As stated in this final listing rule, based on past 
and current rates of spread of the disease, we agree that the disease 
will likely spread throughout the range of the species. Regarding a 
slowing rate of spread in western areas due to fewer hibernacula, WNS 
has been confirmed at numerous hibernacula that are not caves or mines, 
including culverts, bunkers, forts, tunnels, excavations, quarries, and 
even houses. Since this peer review was submitted, white-nose syndrome 
has been documented in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 
The spread of white-nose syndrome was addressed in more detail in our 
Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``Effects of White-nose 
Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared Bat,'' above.
    (6) Comment: Peer reviewers noted that, in the proposed listing 
rule, we did not stress the importance of the northern long-eared bat's 
sociality during the summer months, and suggested a further explanation 
on how social structures be maintained if populations have declined 
dramatically due to white-nose syndrome is needed. These peer reviewers 
further questioned if the species will be able to recover, even if 
white-nose syndrome is curtailed.
    Our Response: Similar to other myotid bats (e.g., Indiana bat, 
little brown bat), the northern long-eared bat is considered a highly 
social species, with females forming maternity colonies during the 
summer months. Peer reviewers expect that white nose-syndrome will 
reduce population sizes to a level that these groups may not be able to 
be maintained. Whether a species is ultimately recoverable is not 
something we consider when listing species; we are obligated to list 
species under the Act if they meet the definition of an endangered or a 
threatened species. We will consider what actions might be necessary to 
recover the species when we begin recovery planning and implementation. 
See our Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``Effects of White-
nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared Bat,'' above, for a more 
detailed discussion of this topic.
    (7) Comment: One commenter stated that although the proposed 
listing rule discusses the regulatory mechanisms that several States 
have employed to reduce the negative impact of wind development on this 
species, it fails to discuss potential regulatory efforts that could be 
controlled at the State level, including the impact of highway 
construction, forest management, and pest control regulations.
    Our Response: In general, we devoted most effort to identifying 
conservation efforts that have been taken to reduce the impact of the 
predominant threat to the species: White-nose syndrome. We acknowledge 
that additional conservation efforts are underway in many arenas and 
they may address other cumulative threats.
    (8) Comment: One peer reviewer disagreed with the assessment in the 
proposed listing rule that the species clusters and, therefore, is at 
greater risk of bat-to bat transmission of Pd while in hibernation. 
This reviewer stated, at least in Kentucky caves, that the species is 
most often seen hibernating alone or in very small groupings.
    Our Response: We corrected this in this final listing rule. The 
northern long-eared bat occasionally can be found in clusters with 
other bats, but typically is found roosting singly during hibernation. 
Certain life-history characteristics of the northern long-eared bat 
(e.g., proclivity to roost in areas with increased humidity of 
hibernacula, longer hibernation time period) are believed to increase 
the species' susceptibility to white-nose syndrome in comparison to 
other cave

[[Page 18008]]

bat species. Furthermore, of the six species with known mortality from 
WNS, the northern long-eared bat has demonstrated the greatest 
declines, based on winter count data. See our Factor C discussion in 
the section titled, ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern 
Long-eared Bat,'' above, for a more detailed discussion.
    (9) Comment: One reviewer stated that understanding the extent of 
the impact to northern long-eared bats remains difficult due to the 
behavior of the species during the winter, which includes movement 
between hibernacula, particularly during swarming and staging periods, 
and the ability of the species to hibernate in cracks and crevices, 
making it difficult to develop population estimates for winter counts.
    Our Response: Despite the difficulties in observing or counting 
northern long-eared bats, winter hibernacula counts are the recommended 
method, and the only method with enough history to assess trends over 
time, for monitoring northern long-eared bats. Hibernacula surveys are 
considered the best available data for cave-dwelling bats in general. 
However, in recognition of the limitations of these data, we generally 
do not use the available hibernacula counts to estimate northern long-
eared bat population size. Instead, we use the hibernacula data to 
understand and estimate population trends for the species. The relative 
difficulty of observing northern long-eared bats during hibernacula 
surveys should be consistent from year to year, and these data can be 
used to estimate relative change in numbers and indicate if the species 
is increasing or decreasing in number in those hibernacula. Thus, the 
total data available for known northern long-eared bat hibernacula can 
yield an individual site and cumulative indication of species 
population trend; the declines estimated at hibernacula are also 
corroborated by declines in acoustic records and mist-net captures in 
summer.
State Agency Comments
    (10) Comment: State fish and wildlife management agencies (Montana, 
Louisiana, and Tennessee) commented that the listing of the northern 
long-eared bat should be limited to the portions of the range where 
decline has been documented. Another State (Wyoming) commented that 
there is insufficient data to warrant listing of the northern long-
eared bat at a national level given the absence of white-nose syndrome 
in much of its range.
    Our Response: Decisions under the Act cannot be made on a State-by-
State basis, but at the species, subspecies, or distinct population 
segment (DPS) level. For the northern long-eared bat, we have 
determined that the species warrants listing as a threatened species 
throughout its range based on current threats (primarily due to WNS) 
and how those threats are likely to impact the species into the future. 
(See our response to Comment 36 for more information.)
    White-nose syndrome or Pd have been confirmed in 28 States of the 
northern long-eared bat's 37-State (plus the District of Columbia) 
range. The species' range only extends into a small area in some of the 
States that remain uninfected with white-nose syndrome to date. 
Information provided to the Service by a number of State agencies and 
all models concerning the spread of white-nose syndrome demonstrates 
that white-nose syndrome will continue to spread throughout the range 
of the northern long-eared bat. Furthermore, based on the average rate 
of spread to date, Pd can be expected to occur throughout the range of 
the northern long-eared bat in an estimated 8 to 13 years (see our 
Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``White-nose Syndrome,'' 
above). Thus we have determined that the northern long-eared bat is 
threatened throughout its entire range.
    (11) Comment: Several State and other commenters stated that the 
species should be listed as threatened rather than endangered for a 
variety of reasons: It would provide the Service with a better 
opportunity to protect the species from white-nose syndrome; we lack 
understanding of white-nose syndrome in the warmer regions with higher 
cave temperatures and shorter hibernation periods; a threatened status 
would allow for potential issuance of a 4(d) rule, which would allow 
the Service to implement regulations that are necessary and advisable 
to conserve the species, due to the large geographic size of the 
northern long-eared bat's range and the habitat variability within the 
large range; and a belief that endangered status is premature until 
more information is available.
    Our Response: For the reasons stated in the Determination section 
of this final listing rule, the Service has determined that the 
northern long-eared bat is a threatened species, rather than an 
endangered species. Please see our response to other comments, which 
address the reasons specified by commenters for listing the species as 
threatened rather than endangered.
    (12) Comment: One state commenter did not recommend a specific 
status for the species, but found that the species is not in danger of 
extinction in the immediate future, but could become so in the future.
    Our Response: As explained in the Determination section of this 
final listing rule, although WNS is predicted to spread throughout the 
range of the species, in the currently uninfected areas we have no 
evidence that northern long-eared bat numbers have declined, and the 
present threats to the species in those areas are relatively low. Thus, 
because the fungus that causes WNS (Pd) may not spread throughout the 
species' range for another 8 to 13 years, because no significant 
declines have occurred to date in the portion of the range not yet 
impacted by the disease, and because some bats persist many years later 
in some geographic areas impacted by WNS (for unknown reasons), we 
conclude that the northern long-eared bat is not currently in danger of 
extinction throughout all of its range. However, because Pd is 
predicted to continue to spread, we also determine that the northern 
long-eared bat is likely to be in danger of extinction within the 
foreseeable future. Therefore, on the basis of the best available 
scientific and commercial information, we are listing the northern 
long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Act.
    (13) Comment: Several States (Kentucky, Georgia, and Missouri) 
mentioned that, at the time they submitted their comments, there had 
not been any decline detected in northern long-eared bat population 
numbers. Specifically, Kentucky, and Georgia stated that the species is 
still commonly captured during summer surveys, even following white-
nose syndrome confirmation in the State. Kentucky comments stated that 
the species' population in the State does not seem to be susceptible to 
white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: No decline has been documented in Georgia, Kentucky, 
or Missouri to date. However, mortality due to white-nose syndrome has 
been documented in cave bats in all four States, and mortality in 
northern long-eared bats has been documented in Kentucky and Missouri. 
Also, historically, there have been small numbers of northern long-
eared bats found in hibernacula in these States; therefore, it is 
challenging to detect population changes based on hibernacula survey 
data alone in these States. Summer surveys, where available, often show 
a lower decline than corresponding hibernacula data in general. These 
differences likely stem from a combination of different survey 
techniques, differential influence of white-nose syndrome in the summer 
versus winter northern long-eared bat

[[Page 18009]]

populations, and also the likelihood that the summer data do not 
reflect northern long-eared bat populations as well as the winter data, 
given the methods and locations from which they were derived. Although 
there may not be a decline in summer populations observed to date in 
these States, mortality has been documented, which indicates the 
species is susceptible to the disease in these States.
    (14) Comment: Several State commenters (Oklahoma and Midwest 
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) letter) mentioned 
that in the proposed listing rule, the Service described different 
regions of the northern long-eared bat's range as separate populations 
and the commenter interpreted that to mean each population was a 
``subpopulation.''
    Our Response: We removed ``population'' from this section of the 
rule to address any confusion. For the purposes of organization, the 
northern long-eared bat's range in the United States is discussed in 
four parts: eastern range, Midwest range, southern range, and western 
range. Separating the range of the bat is not meant to imply that there 
are distinct or separate ``subpopulations'' of the species.
    (15) Comment: State and public commenters stated that white-nose 
syndrome research will be impacted if the northern long-eared bat is 
listed, as treatments cannot be tested on listed species.
    Our Response: Under section 4 of the Act, a species shall be listed 
if it meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species 
because of any (one or more) of the five factors (threats), considering 
solely best available scientific and commercial data. Based on our 
analysis of the five factors, we conclude the northern long-eared bat 
meets the definition of a threatened species, particularly considering 
the effects of WNS on the species. Research that is conducted for the 
purpose of recovery of a species is an activity that can be authorized 
under section 10 of the Act, normally referred to as a recovery permit, 
or can be conducted by certain State conservation agencies by virtue of 
their authority under section 6 of the Act. White-nose syndrome 
research will be important for recovery of the species, and thus the 
Service will continue to support such actions.
    (16) Comment: Both State and public commenters stated that the 
species is more common in southeast States, Kentucky and Tennessee in 
particular, than was depicted in the proposed listing rule. The State 
of Tennessee further questions if the historical core of the species' 
range is in the southern Appalachians, rather than the northeast, and 
commented that ``Tennessee has over 9,000 caves and less than 2 percent 
of those have been surveyed, which could mean that there are many more 
locations within the [S]tate that have significant numbers of [northern 
long-eared bats].''
    Our Response: The Act requires us to make a determination using the 
best available scientific and commercial data in our review of the 
status of the species. In the proposed listing rule, we used the best 
available data at the time, which did not show the species to be as 
common, particularly in summer surveys. Based on more thorough data 
provided since the October 2, 2013, proposed rule (e.g., summer survey 
data and winter hibernacula counts, peer reviewer comments), we have 
since learned the species may have been more commonly encountered, 
historically in Kentucky and Tennessee. We have corrected this in the 
final listing rule within the ``Southern Range'' section of the 
Distribution and Relative Abundance discussion, above. With regard to 
the potential for additional unsurveyed hibernacula in Tennessee, this 
was noted in the Distribution and Relative Abundance discussion, above. 
Also, there is no reason to believe that white-nose syndrome will not 
reach bat hibernacula simply because these sites are not monitored. 
Because we have documented consistently that northern long-eared bat 
declines are severe once white-nose syndrome is confirmed in a site, it 
is reasonable to expect that northern long-eared bat declines are 
similar at sites that are not or cannot be monitored.
    (17) Comment: Two States (Minnesota and Missouri) and several 
public commenters requested that, if the species is listed, they be 
included as stakeholders in designating critical habitat and developing 
a recovery plan and best management plans.
    Our Response: The Service appreciates the interest expressed by 
these commenters in being involved as stakeholders and welcomes all 
interested parties to be involved as potential stakeholders. We will 
work with stakeholders through recovery planning to identify areas that 
would aid in recovery of this species, and determine appropriate 
actions to take. The Service understands the importance of stakeholder 
participation and support in recovery of the northern long-eared bat 
and will continue to work with all stakeholders to this end.
    (18) Comment: Several commenters, through a single letter produced 
by the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, stated that 
known hibernacula containing northern long-eared bats are plentiful in 
many States, with 89 known in New York and 119 in Pennsylvania alone.
    Our Response: Although there are a large number of known 
hibernacula that were historically used by northern long-eared bats, 
there are currently few, if any, individuals found during hibernacula 
surveys (post-WNS) in Pennsylvania and New York. Please refer to the 
Distribution and Relative Abundance section of this final listing rule, 
which discusses the current status of the species in these two States.
    (19) Comment: Several States provided information on current and 
past conservation efforts that may benefit the northern long-eared bat. 
Also, other public comments noted that State, Federal, and private 
conservation efforts should be more thoroughly reviewed and included in 
the final listing rule. Specifically, many commenters mentioned that 
more weight should have been given to the 2008 white-nose syndrome 
plan, State white-nose syndrome plans, white-nose syndrome workshops, 
and State agency efforts in survey and white-nose syndrome research 
efforts.
    Our Response: Information provided to us on additional conservation 
efforts has been added to the conservation efforts discussion under 
Factors A and C, above. It should be noted, however, that although 
recommendations set forth in these documents (e.g., 2008 white-nose 
syndrome plan, State white-nose syndrome plans), if followed, may help 
reduce human-aided spread of white-nose syndrome, the efforts outlined 
in these plans have not yet identified a method by which WNS can be 
halted or its impacts reduced. Also, the white-nose syndrome national 
plan represents guidance that is not strictly enforced by any agency. 
Thus, although these plans will prepare management agencies to act to 
stop WNS should a viable option be presented, their ability to halt WNS 
is not guaranteed.
    (20) Comment: Many States in the Northeast stated that white-nose 
syndrome continues to impact the northern long-eared bat in their 
respective States and have witnessed post-WNS confirmation of mortality 
and severe declines. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine all commented 
that the species was considered a common species in the State prior to 
white-nose syndrome confirmation and is now considered rare.
    Our Response: Data received during data requests sent to the States 
corroborate these declines due to white-nose syndrome cited by 
commenters. This information is presented in

[[Page 18010]]

Distribution and Relative Abundance (in the ``Eastern Range'' and 
``Southern Range'' sections) within the Background section of this 
final listing rule.
    (21) Comment: One State questioned what recovery actions would need 
to be taken to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome throughout the 
northern long-eared bat's range.
    Our Response: Recovery actions will be decided upon during recovery 
planning, after the species is listed. Recovery planning includes the 
development of a recovery outline shortly after a species is listed, 
preparation of a draft and final recovery plan, and revisions to the 
plan as significant new information becomes available. The recovery 
outline guides the immediate implementation of urgent recovery actions 
and describes the process to be used to develop a recovery plan. The 
recovery plan identifies site-specific management actions that will 
achieve recovery of the species, measurable criteria that determine 
when a species may be downlisted or delisted, and methods for 
monitoring recovery progress.
    (22) Comment: One State commented that not all white-nose syndrome 
spread models are in agreement on how the disease will spread. They 
cited a model presented at the White-nose syndrome Workshop in 2012 
(Puechmaille 2012), and indicated that this model suggested that the 
spread and impacts of the disease presented in the proposed listing 
rule were significantly overestimated.
    Our Response: The Puechmaille model, cited by the commenter, has 
been presented in evolving forms at the past several annual White-nose 
syndrome Workshops. The type of model used by Puechmaille may be useful 
in predicting suitable habitat for WNS, but it is not sufficient to 
predict unsuitable habitat. Further, this model cannot be used to 
predict spread of WNS. Given the uncertainties of the Puechmaille model 
(as identified by the author), we did not consider this model in making 
inferences about white-nose syndrome (or Pd) spread dynamics or 
population-level impacts to the northern long-eared bat.
    (23) Comment: One State commenter agreed with the statement offered 
in the proposed listing rule that there is no information to indicate 
that there are areas within the species' range that will not be 
impacted by white-nose syndrome. Life-history information, as well as 
what we currently know about the disease, suggests northern long-eared 
bats exhibit low resiliency due to their extreme susceptibility to the 
disease and their low reproductive rates.
    Our Response: Information provided to the Service by a number of 
State agencies confirms the likelihood of white-nose syndrome spreading 
throughout the range of the northern long-eared bat. White-nose 
syndrome or Pd are now detected in 28 States and 5 Canadian provinces, 
all of which are in the range of the species. Pd has spread over 1,000 
miles (1,609 km) from the primary site of detection in New York to 
western Missouri, northern Minnesota, and as far south as Alabama, 
Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi. Furthermore, although there is some 
variation in spread dynamics and the impact of WNS on bats when it 
arrives at a new site, no information suggests that any site would be 
unsusceptible to the arrival of Pd. Given the appropriate amount of 
time for exposure, WNS appears to have had similar levels of impact on 
northern long-eared bats everywhere the species has been documented 
with the disease. Therefore, absent direct evidence to suggest that 
some northern long-eared bats that encounter Pd do not contract WNS, 
available information suggests that the species will be impacted by WNS 
everywhere in its range. See our Factor C discussion in the section 
titled, ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared 
Bat,'' above, for more detailed information.
    (24) Comment: Comments from Oklahoma stated that the northern long-
eared bat is commonly captured in the counties where it occurs in the 
State, and survey results indicate the northern long-eared bat 
population throughout the southwestern portion of the species' range 
does not need protection under the Act at this time.
    Our Response: We have incorporated information provided on the 
species' status for the northern long-eared bat in Oklahoma in the 
Distribution and Relative Abundance section of this final listing rule. 
As stated in response to another comment, decisions under the Act 
cannot be made on a State-by-State basis, but at the species, 
subspecies, or DPS level. When a species is listed, we work with all of 
our partners to develop and implement practical solutions to conserve 
and protect the species while enabling on-the-ground projects to move 
forward. The definition of ``species'' under the Act includes distinct 
population segments. For a DPS to be identified it must be markedly 
separated from other populations as a consequence of physical, 
physiological, ecological, or behavioral factors. It is unlikely, and 
we have no evidence, that a State boundary would separate one State's 
northern long-eared bat population from northern long-eared bats in 
adjacent States.
    (25) Comment: One commenter stated that more State-specific data 
are needed considering the ambiguity and divergence across the range of 
the northern long-eared bat.
    Our Response: The Act requires us to make a determination using the 
best available scientific and commercial data after conducting a review 
of the status of the species. In 2014, we requested additional survey 
data (hibernacula and summer) from all of the States within the range 
of the species (and the District of Columbia) and received information 
from the majority of States. We have added this updated information to 
the Distribution and Relative Abundance section of this final listing 
rule.
    (26) Comment: Several commenters stated that hibernacula survey 
data are too unreliable to base the listing decision on for the 
northern long-eared bat because northern long-eared bats are often 
overlooked in winter surveys due to their cryptic nature and the 
fluctuation of winter numbers, and that rather the Service should base 
its listing decision on summer survey data. Further, some commenters 
stated that the Service did not compile and review complete summer data 
sets maintained by State agencies.
    Our Response: We agree that northern long-eared bats are often 
difficult to observe during winter hibernacula surveys due to their 
tendency to roost deep in cracks and crevices within hibernacula. 
Despite the difficulties in observing or counting northern long-eared 
bats, winter hibernacula colony counts are the recommended method, and 
the only method with enough history to assess trends over time, for 
monitoring northern long-eared bats, and hibernacula surveys are 
considered the best available data for cave-dwelling bats in general. 
However, in recognition of the limitations of these data, we do not use 
the available hibernacula counts to estimate northern long-eared bat 
population size. Instead we use the hibernacula data to understand and 
estimate population trends for the species. The relative difficulty of 
observing northern long-eared bats during hibernacula surveys should be 
consistent from year to year, and these data can be used to estimate 
relative change in numbers and indicate if the species is increasing or 
decreasing in number in those hibernacula. Thus, the total data 
available for known northern long-eared bat hibernacula can yield an 
individual site and cumulative indication of species population trend; 
furthermore, declines estimated at hibernacula are corroborated by

[[Page 18011]]

declines in acoustic records and net captures in summer.
    In 2014, we requested all available hibernacula and summer survey 
data from all State fish and wildlife agencies within the range of the 
species and received information from the majority of States. We also 
requested information from States while developing the proposed listing 
rule. All available information at the time was included in the 
proposed listing rule. The majority of long-term summer monitoring 
estimates corroborates the trends observed in hibernating colonies. 
Although it is important to include all available relevant summer data, 
summer data likely do not reflect northern long-eared bat populations 
as well as the winter data, given the variability in methods and 
locations from which they were derived. Although we acknowledge 
uncertainties in both summer and winter northern long-eared bat data, 
we believe that the winter data, at this time, provide a more reliable 
estimate of population trends. The Distribution and Relative Abundance 
section of this final listing rule includes the most recent data 
received from States within the species' range.
    (27) Comment: Commenters stated that the Service is making an 
assumption that white-nose syndrome will spread throughout the range of 
the northern long-eared bat. One commenter stated that bat experts do 
not know with any degree of certainty how WNS affects bats, how it is 
transmitted, how quickly or extensively it will spread, or how it might 
be controlled. These commenters stated that these uncertainties in 
white-nose syndrome's spread make it impossible to forecast how the 
disease will spread and impact the species in different areas 
throughout its range.
    Our Response: The question of if and when white-nose syndrome will 
spread throughout the range of the species has been considered 
extensively by the Service and its white-nose syndrome coordinators. 
Information provided to the Service by a number of State agencies 
demonstrates the likelihood of white-nose syndrome spreading throughout 
the range of the northern long-eared bat. White-nose syndrome or Pd is 
now detected in 28 States and 5 Canadian provinces, all of which are in 
the range of the species. From initial detection of white-nose syndrome 
in the winter of 2006-2007, Pd has spread over 1,000 miles (1,690 km) 
from the primary site of detection in the State of New York to western 
Missouri, northern Minnesota, and as far south as Alabama, Arkansas, 
Georgia, and Mississippi. All models we have consulted concerning the 
spread of white-nose syndrome predict the disease or Pd will continue 
to spread. As mentioned under our Factor C discussion in the section 
titled, ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared 
Bat,'' above, models that provide estimates of the timing of spread 
predict the disease will cover the entirety of the species' range 
between 2 and 40 years. However, these models all have significant 
limitations for predicting timing of spread, and in many instances have 
overestimated the time white-nose syndrome would arrive in currently 
uninfected counties by as much as 45 years.
    As for how white-nose syndrome affects bats, how it is transmitted, 
and how it may be controlled, there has been a significant amount of 
research completed that has provided insight into these questions. 
Please see our Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``White-nose 
Syndrome,'' above, for a more detailed discussion.
    (28) Comment: Several commenters, through a single letter produced 
by MAFWA, stated that recent survey data from Pennsylvania, a State 
amongst the hardest hit by WNS, indicate that hibernacula surveys may 
be overestimating the decline in northern long-eared bat numbers. A 
large 2013 sample of summer mist-netting shows that northern long-eared 
bat captures per unit effort (over 178,000 square-meter mist-net hours 
in 2001-2007; over 500,000 in 2013) remain at 24 percent of the level 
observed pre-WNS. In contrast, hibernacula surveys in Pennsylvania 
during the same time period show a 99 percent decline in northern long-
eared bat observations. ``These results clearly demonstrate the 
significant disparity between the prevalence of northern long-eared 
bats recorded in hibernacula surveys and in summer surveys (Turner 
2014, pers. comm.).''
    Our Response: Numerous counties in western Pennsylvania were not 
confirmed with WNS until 2012, possibly attributable to geographic 
barriers that hinder movements of bats between eastern and western 
parts of the State (Miller-Butterworth et al. 2014). Nevertheless, a 76 
percent decline in summer captures of northern long-eared bat 
(standardized for effort) represents a severe decline in the population 
over the past 7 years. These summer monitoring estimates corroborate 
the severe declines observed in hibernating colonies. Furthermore, 
summer monitoring in Virginia from 2009 to the present revealed that 
declines in northern long-eared bats were not observed by VDGIF until 2 
years after the severe declines were observed during winter and fall 
monitoring efforts in the State (Reynolds 2012, pers. comm.). 
Therefore, the assertion that the difference between winter estimates 
(99 percent decline in count) and summer estimates (76 percent decline 
in captures) in Pennsylvania represents a significant disparity in the 
estimated impact of WNS in the State is premature and inconclusive in 
the context of the health of northern long-eared bat populations in 
Pennsylvania. Furthermore, summer monitoring in Pennsylvania reveals 
that declines in northern long-eared bat captures continued in 2014.
    We agree that there are differences between summer and winter data 
for northern long-eared bat. Specifically, that summer data, where 
available, often show a lower decline than corresponding hibernacula 
data. We conclude that these differences likely stem from a combination 
of different survey techniques, differential influence of WNS in the 
summer versus winter northern long-eared bat populations, and also the 
likelihood that the summer data do not reflect northern long-eared bat 
populations as well as the winter given the methods and locations from 
which they were derived. Although we acknowledge uncertainties in both 
summer and winter northern long-eared bat data, we conclude that the 
winter data, at this time, provide a more reliable estimate of 
population trends.
    (29) Comment: Comments from MAFWA stated that only a small 
proportion of known cave and mine hibernacula across the species' range 
have been surveyed or monitored for the northern long-eared bat. For 
example, ``Tennessee has over 9,000 caves and less than 2 percent of 
those have been surveyed, which could mean that there are many more 
locations within the State that have significant numbers of northern 
long-eared bat'' (TWRA 2014). The commenter stated that this is 
particularly true for many areas of Canada (COSEWIC 2013) and the 
central and western States where surveys of bat hibernacula are very 
limited.
    Our Response: These are accurate statements. Additional counties in 
Tennessee have been confirmed with WNS each year since 2010. There is 
no reason to believe that WNS will not reach bat hibernacula simply 
because these sites are not monitored. We have several examples of 
hibernacula that were only identified after WNS was transmitted into 
the area and dead and dying bats were found on the landscape. Because 
we have seen consistently that northern long-eared bat declines are 
severe once WNS is confirmed in a site, it is reasonable to expect that 
northern long-eared bat declines are similar at

[[Page 18012]]

sites that are not or cannot be monitored. In 103 hibernacula 
throughout the East, 68 percent now have zero northern long-eared bats 
observed in winter surveys. An additional 24 percent have declined by 
more than 50 percent.
    (30) Comment: MAFWA commented that recent research into slowing the 
spread of WNS has documented, in a laboratory setting, that Pd spores 
can be killed by Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP96253 (RRDAP). They suggest 
that this potential treatment may increase bat survival and allow the 
northern long-eared bat to adapt to the presence of WNS.
    Our Response: As noted by the States in this comment, strategies to 
slow the spread of WNS are in various early stages of development in 
the laboratory setting. Promising treatments, including RRDAP and 
others, are being considered for field trials. However, considerably 
more research and coordination is needed to address the safety and 
effectiveness of any treatment proposed for field use and to meet 
regulatory requirements prior to consideration of widespread 
application. In short, implementation of WNS treatments on a landscape-
scale is likely years away.
    Risks associated with application of any compound in a field 
setting remain largely unknown and undemonstrated when considering the 
additional harm to bats, other biota, or the environment. Furthermore, 
the RRDAP compound has not been tested on northern long-eared bats, so 
it has not yet been demonstrated to be safe or effective for this 
species. Therefore, the assertion that the treatment of bats with RRDAP 
or other agents may increase bat survival and allow northern long-eared 
bat to survive exposure to the pathogen is unsubstantiated. No 
treatment in development has demonstrated any potential to allow a 
species to ``adapt to the presence of the pathogen.''
    Any treatment or application demonstrated to slow the spread and 
mortality of WNS will be an important tool for potential recovery 
actions. However, we cannot predict exactly when or if a treatment will 
be proven safe and effective for large-scale implementation that will 
affect species at a population level.
    (31) Comment: Comments from MAWFA stated that there is evidence 
that little brown bats in Pennsylvania are showing an increasing trend 
in body mass at time of hibernation (Turner 2014, pers. comm.), and 
others have suggested that there is evidence that larger body mass 
increases survival from WNS infection (Jonasson and Willis 2011). The 
commenters concluded that these trends suggest that Myotid species, 
like the northern long-eared bat, are capable of adapting behavioral 
strategies for dealing with WNS infection.
    Our Response: These observations suggest that there is an increase 
in body masses of little brown bats at some colonies where WNS has been 
present for several years. They do not demonstrate an evolutionary 
shift in behavioral or physiological strategy. Increased body mass may 
be a result of lesser competition for prey during the fattening period 
(which may still be potentially beneficial for surviving winter with 
WNS). Furthermore, this pattern of increasing body masses in pre-
hibernating little brown bats has not been documented widely. It is 
also important to note that these observations have been made in little 
brown bat only, and not in northern long-eared bat. Jonasson and Willis 
(2011) studied fat consumption over winter in hibernating little brown 
bats unaffected by WNS. They hypothesized that fatter bats may be more 
likely to survive WNS, but they did not test this hypothesis. Likewise, 
the observations in Pennsylvania have not been tested for significance 
or repetition.
    Though related, little brown bats and northern long-eared bats are 
distinctly different species that have exhibited different responses to 
Pd infection and WNS. Banding studies in the heavily affected 
northeastern States have confirmed that some little brown bats have 
survived multiple years of WNS exposure and infection, and little brown 
bats continue to be observed in some areas. However there is little, if 
any, data to support the same trend for northern long-eared bats. 
Efforts to band northern long-eared bat have been initiated; however, 
extremely low capture rates with only very few individuals banded make 
it difficult to examine survival trends with this species.
    (32) Comment: One commenter disagreed that the highest rates of 
development in the conterminous United States occur within the range of 
the northern long-eared bat (Brown et al. 2005, p. 1856) and contribute 
to the loss of forest habitat. The commenter stated that forests within 
the range of the northern long-eared bat continue to recover from 
unsustainable forestry practices that were employed in the late 19th 
century.
    Our Response: Although the commenter disagreed with the statement 
in the proposed listing rule with regard to rates of development within 
the range of the northern long-eared bat, there was no evidence 
presented to refute this statement. Further, information we have, in 
the proposed listing rule and in supporting documents, shows that rates 
of development and forest conversion in general within the species' 
range is not decreasing. For example, the USFS projected forest losses 
of 16 to 34 million acres (4 to 8 percent) by 2060 across the 
continental United States (USFS 2012).
    (33) Comment: MAFWA stated that recent evidence documents a 
multitude of species in Europe coexist with the causative agent and do 
so by getting minimal infection and without documented mortality (Zukal 
et al. 2014). The commenter also stated that data recently presented at 
the 2014 WNS meeting show the amount of infection on surviving bats in 
the Northeast has decreased significantly from the period where mass 
mortality was experienced, and is now closer to the level of European 
infection.
    Our Response: Pd and WNS were not investigated in Europe until 
after the disease was identified in North America. However, subsequent 
to the discovery of WNS in North America, European scientists have 
identified evidence of Pd dating back many decades, leading to the 
hypothesis that the fungus has been present in Europe for a long time. 
We cannot know what the impact of Pd has been on different bat species 
in Europe throughout evolutionary history. The fact that 13 species of 
European bats have been documented with WNS or Pd without documentation 
of significant declining populations has led to conclusions that those 
European species coexist with the disease. However, this observation 
does not mean WNS did not severely impact or even cause extinction of 
European bat species at some point in the past.
    North American species differ significantly in physiology and 
ecology to similar species in Europe. We have gained considerable 
understanding of variability in impact of WNS among North American 
species, such as that certain species like the big brown bat and 
Townsend's big-eared bat appear resilient to or unaffected by the 
disease, while other species like the northern long-eared bat have 
declined substantially. Therefore, the best available data indicate 
there are variable response levels to WNS among bat species; northern 
long-eared bats are among the most susceptible species to WNS.
    (34) Comment: One commenter stated that the impact of white-nose 
syndrome may have been overstated by the Service. They commented that 
the data used in the proposed listing rule only included known winter 
roost sites surveys and the rule does not state that

[[Page 18013]]

the species could be employing behavior plasticity and using 
alternative roosts. This same commenter also questioned carcass testing 
reports, as presented in the rule, confirming only 50 percent of 
individuals tested positive for white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: We acknowledge that northern long-eared bats may be 
using alternate, often unknown or unsurveyed, winter roosts and, as a 
result, may be unobserved during winter. However, regardless of the 
type of hibernacula used, northern long-eared bats require roosts with 
cool, humid conditions, which are also suitable for Pd growth. As for 
the question of the carcass testing reports, this information was 
removed in the final listing rule because it was potentially 
misleading. A small portion of dead bats are tested for the disease, 
especially in areas where WNS has not been confirmed recently. 
Therefore, reporting on the small number of bats tested does not give 
an accurate depiction of the impact of the disease on the species. 
Principally, the northern long-eared bat is susceptible to WNS, and 
mortality of northern long-eared bats due to the disease has been 
confirmed throughout the majority of the WNS-affected range.
Tribal Comments
    (35) Comment: One Tribe provided information related to the 
biology, ecology, and threats faced by the northern long-eared bat that 
reinforced the data and information included in the Background section 
of this final rule. Additionally, the commenter provided information in 
response to other public comments that we had received and the letters 
received from the Midwest and Southeast Association of Fish and 
Wildlife Agencies and Regional Forester Groups and the Northeast 
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. They also expressed their 
support for listing the species as endangered.
    Our Response: We appreciate the input provided and incorporated it 
into the final rule where appropriate. For the reasons stated in the 
Determination section of this final listing rule, we have determined 
that the northern long-eared bat should be listed as threatened, rather 
than endangered. Please refer to that section for a detailed 
description of that determination.
Tribal Coordination
    In October 2013, Tribes and multi-tribal organizations were sent 
letters inviting them to begin consultation and coordination with the 
service on the proposal to listing the northern long-eared bat. In 
August 2014, several Tribes and multi-tribal organizations were sent an 
additional letter regarding the Service's intent to extend the deadline 
for making a final listing determination by 6 months. A conference call 
was also held with Tribes to explain the listing process and discuss 
any concerns. Following publication of the proposed rule, the Service 
established 3 interagency teams (biology of the northern long-eared 
bat, non-WNS threats, and conservation measures) to ensure that States, 
Tribes, and other Federal agencies were able to provide input into 
various aspects of the listing rule and potential conservation measures 
for the species. Invitations for inclusion in these teams were sent to 
Tribes within the range of the northern long-eared bat. Two additional 
conference calls (in January and March 2015) were held with Tribes to 
outline the proposed species-specific 4(d) rule and answer questions. 
Through this coordination, some Tribal representatives expressed 
concern about how listing the northern long-eared bat may impact 
forestry practices, housing development programs, and other activities 
on Tribal lands.
Public Comments
    (36) Comment: One commenter stated that listing should be 
restricted to the portion of the species' range that has experienced 
WNS, the current threat to this species. The commenter urged the 
Service to, instead of listing the species rangewide, consider listing 
as a DPS, because the species is stable across much of its range and a 
DPS will ``allow the Service to apply appropriate conservation measures 
in the area of greatest need.''
    Our Response: When completing a status review in response to a 
petition to list a species, we conduct that review across the species' 
range, unless the petition requests that we evaluate a different 
entity, such as a DPS. The petition to list the northern long-eared bat 
requested that we consider whether listing is warranted for the 
species; the petition did not specifically ask us to consider whether 
any DPSs warrant listing. In conducting status reviews, we generally 
follow a step-wise process where we begin with a rangewide evaluation. 
If the species does not warrant listing rangewide, we then consider the 
status of other listable entities. Furthermore, the Service is to 
exercise its authority with regard to DPSs ``sparingly and only when 
the biological evidence indicates that such action is warranted'' 
(Senate Report 151, 96th Congress, 1st Session). For the northern long-
eared bat, we have determined that the species warrants listing as a 
threatened species throughout its range based on current threats 
(primarily due to WNS) and how those threats are likely to impact the 
species into the future.
    (37) Comment: A few commenters stated that the Service did not 
consider the benefit offered to the species from protection of other 
listed species, such as the Indiana bat. One commenter further stated 
that because of this overlap in the ranges of the two species, there is 
no reason to list the northern long-eared bat.
    Our Response: There have been conservation efforts that have been 
undertaken to benefit other federally listed species, such as the 
Indiana bat, within the range of the northern long-eared bat. More 
detailed information can be found above, under Factor A. The Present or 
Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment of Its Habitat or 
Range. However, prohibitions of the Act are species-specific; thus 
prohibitions from take would not apply to the northern long-eared bat 
simply due to another similar species being listed. Further, benefits 
to the northern long-eared bat that may occur as the result of other 
similar species that are listed are primarily habitat-related, and do 
not address the primary threat to the northern long-eared bat, WNS.
    (38) Comment: Several commenters stated that the peer review of the 
proposed listing rule should have taken place prior to publication.
    Our Response: In accordance with our policy published in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we are to seek the 
expert opinions of at least three appropriate and independent 
specialists regarding proposed listing actions. We are to provide a 
summary of their review in the final decision, but are not required to 
conduct this peer review prior to the proposal. The purpose of peer 
review is to ensure that our final listing determination is based on 
scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We solicited 
expert opinion from seven peer reviewers with scientific expertise, 
including familiarity with the northern long-eared bat and its habitat, 
biological needs, and threats. We received responses from four of the 
peer reviewers, and have addressed their comments and incorporated 
relevant information into this final determination.
    (39) Comment: A few commenters stated that the proposed listing 
rule was rushed due to judicial settlement.
    Our Response: We disagree. The Service received a petition to list 
the northern long-eared bat and eastern

[[Page 18014]]

small-footed bat in 2010. We published a substantial 90-day finding on 
June 29, 2011 (76 FR 38095), indicating that listing these two species 
may be warranted and initiating a status review. Completion of the 
status reviews were delayed due to listing resources expended on other 
higher priority rulemakings. On July 12, 2011, the Service filed a 
multiyear work plan as part of a settlement agreement with the Center 
for Biological Diversity and others, in a consolidated case in the U.S. 
District Court for the District of Columbia. A settlement agreement in 
Endangered Species Act Section 4 Deadline Litigation, No. 10-377 (EGS), 
Multi-district Litigation Docket No. 2165 (D.D.C. May 10, 2011) was 
approved by the court on September 9, 2011. The settlement agreement 
specified that listing determinations be made for more than 250 
candidate species, and specified dates for several petitioned species 
with delayed findings. For the northern long-eared bat, the specified 
date for completing a 12-month finding, and a listing proposal if that 
finding was warranted, was September 30, 2013, 3 years after the 
receipt of the petition.
    (40) Comment: Several commenters expressed their concern as to 
whether unpublished data cited in the proposed listing rule were peer-
reviewed.
    Our Response: Under the Act, we are obligated to use the best 
available scientific and commercial information, which in this case 
included results from surveys, reports by scientists and biological 
consultants, natural heritage data, and expert opinion from biologists 
with experience studying the northern long-eared bat and its habitat, 
whether published or unpublished. Additionally, we sought comments from 
independent peer reviewers to ensure that our determinations are based 
on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analysis. We solicited 
information from the general public, nongovernmental conservation 
organizations, State and Federal agencies that are familiar with the 
species and its habitat, academic institutions, and groups and 
individuals that might have information that would contribute to our 
knowledge of the species, as well as the activities and natural 
processes that might be contributing to the decline of the species. All 
told, this information represents the best available scientific and 
commercial data on which to base this listing determination for the 
northern long-eared bat.
    (41) Comment: A few commenters questioned if southern populations 
of northern long-eared bats are roosting in trees over the winter 
rather than hibernating in caves and mines and, therefore, might avoid 
contracting white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: Northern long-eared bats predominantly hibernate in 
caves and abandoned mines. There are a few documented instances of this 
species using other types of structures that simulate a cave-like 
environment that is suitable for hibernation. To date, there have been 
no documented cases of this species hibernating in trees. The species' 
physiological demands of hibernation limit selection of winter habitat 
to areas with relatively stable cool temperatures and humid conditions, 
which are the same conditions required for the persistence of Pd. See 
``Hibernation'' in the Biology section of this final rule for a more 
complete description of habitat for the species.
    (42) Comment: We received several comments that questioned how 
listing the northern long-eared bat will address or reverse the 
species' decline due to white-nose syndrome. One commenter stated that 
listing the species as ``endangered'' will not reverse its decline. 
Several stated that habitat loss is not a threat to the species, and 
white-nose syndrome is the only reason for the species' decline; 
therefore, placing additional restrictions on activities, such as tree 
clearing, will have minimal impact on conserving the species and will 
not halt the spread of white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: No other threat is as severe and immediate for the 
northern long-eared bat as white-nose syndrome. If this disease had not 
emerged, it is unlikely the northern long-eared population would be 
experiencing such a dramatic decline. However, as white-nose syndrome 
continues to spread and cause mortality, other sources of mortality 
could further diminish the species' resilience or ability to survive. 
White-nose syndrome has significantly reduced the numbers of northern 
long-eared bats throughout much of its range. Small or declining 
populations may be increasingly vulnerable to other impacts, even 
impacts to which they were previously resilient. These other impacts 
may include indirect impact (e.g., clearing important roosting or 
foraging habitat) or direct impact (e.g., cutting down occupied roost 
trees while pups are non-volant). We expect that northern long-eared 
bat populations with smaller numbers and with individuals in poor 
health will be less able to persist or to rebound.
    The Service believes that restrictions alone are neither an 
effective nor a desirable means for achieving the conservation of 
listed species. We prefer to work collaboratively with private 
landowners, and strongly encourage individuals with listed species on 
their property to work with us to develop incentive-based measures such 
as safe harbor agreements or habitat conservation plans (HCPs), which 
have the potential to provide conservation measures that effect 
positive results for the species and its habitat while providing 
regulatory relief for landowners. The conservation and recovery of 
endangered and threatened species, and the ecosystems upon which they 
depend, is the ultimate objective of the Act, and the Service 
recognizes the vital importance of voluntary, nonregulatory 
conservation measures that provide incentives for landowners in 
achieving that objective.
    (43) Comment: Commenters stated that information from New York and 
Vermont indicates that northern long-eared bat populations are holding 
steady or increasing.
    Our Response: Contrary to information stated by this commenter, 
information we received from Vermont and New York indicate sharp 
population declines due to white-nose syndrome based on winter and 
summer data. Please see the ``Eastern Range'' section under 
Distribution and Relative Abundance, above, for a more detailed 
discussion of the information received from these two States. The one 
potential exception in New York is the Long Island population, where 
the species continues to be found during summer surveys. This may 
suggest that there may be scattered locations where this species has 
not been as severely impacted as other areas of eastern North America. 
However, these observations are unproven at this point and are the 
basis for ongoing research to determine the validity of a white-nose 
syndrome refugia hypothesis.
    (44) Comment: One commenter stated that the Service should consider 
that there is a lack of evidence that mass mortality of northern long-
eared bats due to white-nose syndrome is occurring outside the 
northeastern United States even though white-nose syndrome is 
continuing to spread. There have been no reported mass mortality events 
outside of the Northeast, and the northern long-eared bat continues to 
be commonly captured in mist-net surveys in some regions.
    Our Response: To date, because impacts from WNS in the far South 
and West have not yet occurred, it is impossible to conclude that the 
timeframe and degree of impact will be identical. However, everything 
that has been observed to date suggests it will be

[[Page 18015]]

similar. Many sites in the Northeast were infected with WNS prior to 
development and validation of refined molecular tools to detect Pd. 
Thus, a hibernaculum in the Northeast was likely confirmed with white-
nose syndrome when there were visible signs of the disease. With 
genetic tools, it may now be 2 to 3 years from the first detection of a 
Pd-positive bat at a site and visible signs of the disease in bats. 
Therefore, there remains some uncertainty in the applicability of the 
timeline observed in the Northeast to more recent observations in the 
Midwest and Southeast.
    Additionally, there is evidence that microclimate inside the cave, 
duration and severity of winter, hibernating behavior, body condition 
of bats, genetic structure of the colony, and other variables may 
affect the timeline and severity of impacts at the hibernaculum level. 
However, evidence that any of these variables would greatly delay or 
reduce mortality in infected colonies has yet to surface. Some have 
speculated that climatic factors may extend the disease timeline or may 
result in lower mortality rates among bat populations in the southern 
United States; however, observations from the winter of 2013-2014 
demonstrated the potential for white-nose syndrome-related mortality at 
sites believed to be in their first or second year of infection as far 
south as Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia. Please see our Factor C 
discussion in the section titled, ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on 
the Northern Long-eared Bat,'' above, for more information.
    (45) Comment: One commenter stated that reported evidence for 
declines due to white-nose syndrome are based on localized hibernacula 
surveys, which fail to provide data sufficient to document regional or 
rangewide abundance or trends. Consistent with this, a recent report by 
the Committee on the Status of Species of Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) 
states: Any declines that have taken place can only be inferred from 
pre- and post-WNS monitoring of known hibernacula. Even then, a lack of 
baseline population information precludes an evaluation of what 
proportion of the known population is represented by inferred declines, 
since not all hibernacula are known, let alone receive regular 
monitoring attention (COSSARO 2013, p. 4).
    Our Response: We received hibernacula data from most States 
throughout the range of the northern long-eared bat. These data have 
been included in our analysis of the impact of white-nose syndrome on 
the species. The information that was included in our analysis included 
pre- and post- white-nose syndrome data. We agree that we may not be 
aware of, and thus have not been surveying, all of the northern long-
eared bat hibernacula within the species' range. However, it is also 
extremely likely that if these sites are used by hibernating bats, they 
exhibit consistently cool, humid conditions suitable for Pd growth. 
Thus, the bats using them will in all likelihood encounter Pd during 
activities at swarming and staging sites where they interact with other 
bats, even if they hibernate in smaller groups elsewhere. We do not use 
the available hibernacula counts to estimate northern long-eared bat 
population size; rather we use the hibernacula data to understand and 
estimate population trends for the species.
    (46) Comment: One commenter stated that the Service mentioned that 
some spread models indicate that western and southern populations of 
the northern long-eared bat may not be impacted by white-nose syndrome; 
however, in the proposed listing rule we said that this would offer the 
species little respite since this is on the edge of the species' range. 
This commenter stated that this does not represent the best scientific 
and commercial data available. Another commenter similarly stated that 
Boyles and Brack (2009) and Ehlman et al. (2013) describe models that 
predict the possibility of lower mortality at lower latitudes, due to 
shorter winters and shorter hibernation in southern States, leading to 
reduced impact of white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: The model that the commenter referenced is Hallam and 
McCracken. (2011), which was discussed in the proposed listing rule. 
Hallam and McCracken (2011) tested temperature-dependence of white-nose 
syndrome spread, which at the time of the model creation (2011) 
supported the current distribution of white-nose syndrome. Although the 
analysis from this model predicted continued rapid spread throughout 
the United States, the model also suggested that there may be a 
temperature-dependent boundary in southern latitudes that may offer 
refuge to white-nose syndrome-susceptible bats. However, there are 
limitations in data availability for this model; several States in the 
Midwest and central regions were not included. In addition, after 
formation of the model, many counties below Hallam and McCracken's 
hypothesized temperature-dependent boundary have been confirmed with 
white-nose syndrome or have had Pd detected. Considering the 
limitations with this model, we cannot put a high degree of confidence 
in the conclusions drawn. Boyles and Brack (2009, p. 9) modeled 
survival rates of little brown bats during hibernation and determined 
that clustering (with other bats) and disturbances have an overall 
impact on survival rates during hibernation; however, there was no 
discussion of white-nose syndrome and its impact on cave bats. Ehlman 
et al. (2013, p. 581) developed a model using evaporative water loss at 
the stimulus for arousal in both healthy and white-nose syndrome-
affected little brown bats. They concluded that populations 
experiencing shorter southern winters could persist longer than their 
northern counterparts when faced with white-nose syndrome. However, 
this is speculative at this time, as the authors acknowledged that 
there are few data on survival rates for the more southerly regions 
where white-nose syndrome has more recently spread.
    (47) Comment: One commenter stated that the Service did not account 
for the limiting effects that the lower density and occurrence of 
hibernacula in the central United States will have on the rate of 
white-nose syndrome spread and its effects on the northern long-eared 
bat. They referred to peer review comments of A. Kurta (Nov. 12, 2013). 
The commenter contended that Kurta stated that such lower hibernacula 
density and occurrence will help protect the species from white-nose 
syndrome in those areas because the disease is believed to infect the 
species primarily through bat-to-bat transmission in hibernacula, where 
the conditions required for growth of the fungus occur.
    Our Response: We have no reason to believe that the northern long-
eared bat will be protected from white-nose syndrome in any portion of 
its range, including the central United States. The statement that 
white-nose syndrome spread will slow because there are fewer caves or 
mines serving as hibernacula in the western portion of the northern 
long-eared bat's range conflicts with the assertion made by other 
commenters that the northern long-eared bat will use a wide variety of 
sites as hibernacula (not just caves and mines). White-nose syndrome 
has been confirmed at numerous hibernacula that are not caves or mines 
(but with similar habitat conditions), including culverts, bunkers, 
forts, tunnels, excavations, quarries, and even houses. In addition, 
all models concerning the spread of white-nose syndrome predict the 
disease or Pd will continue to spread throughout the range, including 
the central United States. Models that provide estimates of the timing 
of spread, predict the disease will cover the entirety of the species'

[[Page 18016]]

range (within the models limited geographic limits: The United States) 
by sometime between 2 and about 40 years (see our Factor C discussion 
in the section titled, ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern 
Long-eared Bat,'' above, for more information). These models all have 
significant limitations for predicting timing of spread and in many 
instances have overestimated when WNS would arrive in currently 
unaffected counties, in one case by as much as 45 years. Limitations 
include underestimating availability of non-cave hibernacula, lacking 
relevant biological variables of affected species, excluding spread 
through Canada or counties with insufficient data, and the fact that Pd 
is expanding its ecological niche in North America by demonstrating its 
viability in previously unexposed environments.
    (48) Comment: One commenter suggested that the Service direct its 
efforts toward determining the exact original cause of white-nose 
syndrome, possible treatment strategies for bats, assessing under what 
conditions the fungus is transmitted and how it spreads, determining 
what the optimal environmental conditions are that allow the growth and 
transmission of the fungus, determining what is driving the spread of 
the fungus, and determining the differences in those colonies affected 
and unaffected by white-nose syndrome. This commenter stated that only 
when this critical information is known would the Service be able to 
determine appropriate listing actions, if necessary.
    Our Response: Current knowledge on the cause of the disease, how 
and under what conditions the fungus is transmitted, how it spreads, 
and the optimal conditions that allow the growth of the fungus are 
explained in detail under our Factor C discussion in the section 
titled, ``White-nose Syndrome,'' above. As for treatment of the 
disease, the Service leads the national response to white-nose syndrome 
and supports research and actions identified in the national response 
plan to contain white-nose syndrome and develop treatments or controls. 
The Service has granted more than $19.5 million to institutions and 
Federal and State agencies for research and response actions. 
Containment strategies are intended to slow the spread of WNS and allow 
time to develop management options; they are not part of a recovery 
plan for affected species. There are a number of promising treatments 
currently in development, and in various stages of the research 
process. However, considerably more research and coordination is needed 
to address the safety and effectiveness of any treatment proposed for 
field use and to meet regulatory requirements prior to consideration of 
widespread application. In short, implementation of WNS treatments on a 
landscape-scale is likely years away. The multi-agency and multi-
organization white-nose syndrome response team has and continues to 
develop recommendations, tools, and strategies to slow the spread of 
white-nose syndrome, minimize disturbance to hibernating bats, and 
improve conservation strategies for affected bat species. This 
collaboration will also prepare management agencies to implement WNS 
mitigation strategies once the strategies are validated. Information on 
some of these products developed by the response team can be found in 
our Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``Conservation Efforts 
to Reduce Disease or Predation,'' above. If listing is warranted, the 
Act requires us to list a species regardless of whether listing will 
ameliorate the threat to the species.
    (49) Comment: During the second public comment period, one 
commenter requested a public hearing be held in Crook County, Wyoming. 
This commenter further stated that they were not given sufficient 
notice of the first public comment period.
    Our Response: In response to the request from Crook County, 
Wyoming, to hold a public hearing, the Service held a public hearing in 
Sundance, Wyoming, on December 2, 2014. We consider the comment periods 
described in the introductory text of this section of the final rule 
(Summary of Comments and Recommendations on the Proposed Listing Rule) 
to have provided the public a sufficient opportunity for submitting 
both written and oral public comments. We contend that there has been 
adequate time for comment, as we accepted public comments on the 
proposed listing rule for the northern long-eared bat for a total of 
240 days.
    (50) Comment: Commenters stated that there is no information 
provided in the status review to indicate that the proposed listing or 
development of a recovery plan would reverse the species' decline.
    Our Response: If listing is warranted, the Act requires us to list 
a species based on one of the five factors, alone or in combination. 
Disease is one of these factors to be considered. In making a 
determination as to whether a species meets the Act's definition of an 
endangered or threatened species, under section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act 
the Secretary is to make that determination based solely on the basis 
of the best scientific and commercial data available. The question of 
whether there may be some positive benefit of listing the species is 
not considered in the decision process, only if the species meets the 
definition of an endangered or threatened species.
    (51) Comment: Commenters stated that the listing should not be used 
as a funding mechanism to conserve the species.
    Our Response: Although there are some funding opportunities 
available to promote recovery of listed species (e.g., grants to the 
States under section 6 of the Act, funding through the Service's 
Partner's for Fish and Wildlife Program), we are required to make our 
determination based on the best scientific and commercial data 
available at the time of our rulemaking. The potential availability of 
funding does not enter into this decision of whether listing is 
warranted for a species. Instead we adhere to the requirements of the 
Act, to determine whether a species warrants listing based on our 
assessment of the five-factor threats analysis. A species may be 
determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more 
of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act: (A) The 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its 
habitat or range; (B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, 
scientific, or educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the 
inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or 
manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Listing actions may 
be warranted based on any of the above threat factors, singly or in 
combination.
    (52) Comment: Several commenters stated that, in the proposed 
listing rule, the northern long-eared bat was described as ``commonly 
captured'' during summer surveys, which contradicts presented winter 
survey data.
    Our Response: The information presented in the ``Distribution and 
Abundance'' section of the proposed listing rule described the 
historical distribution and abundance of the species prior to detection 
of white-nose syndrome in a given State or portion of a State. This 
section has been changed to Distribution and Relative Abundance in this 
final listing rule and includes a description of historical and current 
status to better reflect the current distribution and trend information 
for the species. The species is often ``commonly captured'' during 
summer surveys in areas within its range where it has not been impacted 
by white-nose syndrome; however, in areas where the

[[Page 18017]]

disease has been present for a longer period of time (the Northeast in 
particular), the species is no longer commonly captured even in summer 
surveys. Please see the Distribution and Relative Abundance section, 
above, for more detailed information.
    (53) Comment: One commenter stated that we did not provide any 
evidence to support the notion that other factors are acting in 
combination with white-nose syndrome to reduce the viability of the 
species.
    Our Response: Although we have not been able to directly observe 
the impact of these other factors in combination of white-nose 
syndrome, we contend that it is reasonable to expect that with 
populations that have been reduced due to white-nose syndrome, any 
additional stressors have the potential to reduce viability. However, 
depending on the type of stressor, the scale of impact may differ 
(rangewide vs. colony-level impact). Peer reviewers of the proposed 
listing rule concurred with the Service's assessment that cumulative 
impacts may result from other (other than white-nose syndrome) factors 
in addition to white-nose syndrome due to a diminished population. The 
Act requires us to determine if these other factors affect the northern 
long-eared bat's ability to persist following the effects of white-nose 
syndrome. Our continuing analyses are strengthening our understanding 
of these factors and helping us identify ways to address them.
    (54) Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed listing rule's 
discussion of Factor C (disease or predation) includes various 
hypotheses of the causal connection between WNS and morbidity in the 
northern long-eared bat, but the Service admits that ``the exact 
process by which WNS leads to death remains undetermined.''
    Our Response: Although the exact process or processes by which WNS 
leads to death remains unconfirmed, we do know that the fungal 
infection is responsible and it is possible that reduced immune 
function during torpor compromises the ability of hibernating bats to 
combat the infection. See our Factor C discussion in the section 
titled, ``White-nose Syndrome,'' above, for a more detailed discussion 
on white-nose syndrome and mortality in bats.
    (55) Comment: One commenter stated their concern that potential 
seasonal forest management restrictions due to the listing will have 
detrimental impacts to their local forest industry and forest dependent 
communities, which will outweigh benefits to the species.
    Our Response: In making a determination as to whether a species 
meets the Act's definition of an endangered or threatened species, 
under section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act the Secretary is to make that 
determination based solely on the basis of the best scientific and 
commercial data available. The Act does not allow us to consider the 
impacts of listing on economics or humans activities whether over the 
short term, long term, or cumulatively. The question of whether there 
may be some positive benefit to the listing cannot by law enter into 
the determination. The evaluation of economic impacts comes into play 
only in association with the designation of critical habitat under 
section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Therefore, although we did not consider the 
economic impacts of the proposed listing, as such a consideration is 
not allowable under the Act, we will consider the potential economic 
impacts of a critical habitat designation (if prudent), including the 
potential benefits of such designation.
    (56) Comment: One commenter stated that the Service should delay 
listing of the species for a minimum of 3 years while work continues to 
develop a solution to combat the disease.
    Our Response: If listing is warranted, the Act requires us to list 
a species regardless of if listing will ameliorate the threat to the 
species. We are required to make our determination based on the best 
scientific and commercial data available at the time of our rulemaking. 
The Act requires the Service to publish a final rule within 1 year from 
the date we propose to list a species unless there is substantial 
disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available 
data relevant to the determination or revision concerned, but only for 
6 months and only for purposes of soliciting additional data. Based on 
the comments received and data evaluated, we determined that an 
extension was necessary. However, we are able to extend the listing 
determination by 6 months and cannot extend the determination by 3 
years, as recommended. As stated in response to a previous comment, 
there are a number of promising treatments currently in development, 
and in various stages of the research process. However, these potential 
treatments are still being analyzed in a clinical setting, and 
potential application outside of the laboratory is years away.
    (57) Comment: Several commenters stated that more time is needed to 
complete population surveys for the northern long-eared bat before 
making a listing determination.
    Our Response: Our Policy on Information Standards under the Act 
(published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the 
Information Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; 
H.R. 5658)), and our associated Information Quality Guidelines (https://www.fws.gov/informationquality/), provide criteria and guidance, and 
establish procedures to ensure that our decisions are based on the best 
scientific data available at the time of our rulemaking. They require 
our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use 
of the best scientific data available, to use primary and original 
sources of information as the basis for recommendations to determine if 
a species warrants listing. Surveys completed after listing will 
continue to inform actions taken to conserve and recover the species.
    (58) Comment: One researcher commented that results from his 
research show that Pd and WNS should be expected to occur in regions 
consistent with much of the current U.S. range of the northern long-
eared bat in a relatively short time period, and demonstrated the 
potential spread to the majority of the contiguous United States. 
Further their model (Maher et al. 2012) showed that the spread rate 
increased with longer winters, suggesting that spread of Pd and WNS in 
the northern range of the species will be faster.
    Our Response: We appreciate this comment and have added this 
information to our Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``Effects 
of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared Bat,'' above. This 
information supports information in this final listing rule regarding 
the spread of white-nose syndrome within the northern long-eared bat's 
range.
    (59) Comment: One commenter notes that information presented in the 
proposed listing rule stated that summer surveys in the Northeast have 
confirmed rates of decline observed in northern long-eared bat 
hibernacula data post-WNS, with rates of decline ranging from 93 to 98 
percent; however, the extent of that summer survey data is not given, 
so it is unclear how expansive the sample might have been, or how 
consistent all of the surveys were spatially across time.
    Our Response: We have taken this comment into consideration and 
have further explained where and when declines have been observed 
within the species' range in the Distribution and Relative Abundance 
section of this final rule.

[[Page 18018]]

    (60) Comment: Commenters stated that population declines of more 
than 90 percent in the core of the species' range, with more declines 
predicted due to WNS, constitutes a present danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The population 
declines do not represent a mere [likelihood] of becoming an endangered 
species within the foreseeable future, rather endangerment ``is not 
just a possibility on the horizon, endangerment is already here.''
    Our Response: As explained in the Determination section of this 
final rule, although WNS is predicted to spread throughout the range of 
the species, in the currently uninfected areas we have no evidence that 
northern long-eared bat numbers have declined, and the present threats 
to the species in those areas are relatively low. Thus, because the 
fungus that causes WNS (Pd) may not spread throughout the species' 
range for another 8 to 13 years, because no significant declines have 
occurred to date in the portion of the range not yet impacted by the 
disease, and because some bats persist many years later in some 
geographic areas impacted by WNS (for unknown reasons), we conclude 
that the northern long-eared bat is not currently in danger of 
extinction throughout all of its range. However, because Pd is 
predicted to continue to spread, we also determine that the northern 
long-eared bat is likely to be in danger of extinction within the 
foreseeable future. Therefore, on the basis of the best available 
scientific and commercial information, we are listing the northern 
long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Act.
    (61) Comment: One commenter stated that the Service did not 
adequately cultivate its partnership with the States when developing 
the proposed listing rule and stated that it is imperative that the 
final decision consider regional differences relative to the status of 
the species, as specifically identified by the State wildlife agencies.
    Our Response: We requested all relevant data and information from 
States and Federal agencies prior to publishing the proposed rule. 
Additionally, in 2014, we requested all available hibernacula and 
summer survey data from all State fish and wildlife agencies within the 
range of the species to ensure the most up-to-date survey information 
was included in this final listing rule; we received information from 
the majority of States. Also, following publication of the proposed 
listing rule, the Service established three interagency teams to ensure 
that States, Tribes, and other Federal agencies were able to provide 
input into various aspects of the listing rule and potential 
conservation measures for the species. The three teams are: Biology of 
the Northern long-eared bat, Non-WNS Threats, and Conservation 
Measures. Invitations for inclusion in these teams were sent to all 
State agencies within the range of the northern long-eared bat. 
Further, MAFWA hosted a meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota, in October 
2014, and invited biologists and foresters from all State agencies 
within the species' range to discuss the potential listing of the 
northern long-eared bat and conservation measures. The information 
presented in the resulting letters from several regions of the fish and 
wildlife and forestry associations were considered and included in this 
final listing determination.
    (62) Comment: Several commenters addressed the Northern Long-eared 
Bat Interim Planning and Conference Guidance.
    Our Response: The Interim Planning and Conference Guidance was 
designed for use until the publication of this final rule. While 
aspects of this guidance may be included in the recovery plan for 
northern long-eared bat, the guidance itself does not constitute a 
recovery plan. We appreciate these comments and will consider them in 
developing a recovery plan or any potential future consultation 
guidelines for the species.
    (63) Comment: One commenter stated that, although no scientific 
research technique is perfect, (as stated by Ingersoll et al. 2013) 
hibernacula surveys are the most reliable and consistent datasets 
currently available for long-term, regional studies of North American 
bats.
    Our Response: We agree that hibernacula surveys are the recommended 
method, and the only method with enough history to assess trends over 
time, for cave-dwelling bats, including the northern long-eared bat. In 
this final listing rule, we use the hibernacula data (in addition to 
summer data) to understand and estimate population trends for northern 
long-eared bat. The relative difficulty of observing northern long-
eared bats during hibernacula surveys should be consistent from year to 
year, and these data can be used to estimate relative change in numbers 
and indicate if the species is increasing or decreasing in number in 
those hibernacula. Thus, the total data available for known northern 
long-eared bat hibernacula can yield an individual site and cumulative 
indication of species population trend; declines estimated at 
hibernacula are corroborated by declines in acoustic records and net 
captures in summer.
    (64) Comment: One commenter stated that although the Service 
finalized its policy regarding interpretation of ``significant portion 
of its range'' during the comment period on the proposed listing for 
the northern long-eared bat, the Service should not rely on this policy 
in its final determination. The commenter asserted that the information 
in the proposed listing rule does not support that any portion the 
bat's range is ``significant.''
    Our Response: The Service finalized its policy on the 
interpretation of the phrase ``significant portion of its range'' in 
the Act's definitions of ``endangered species'' and ``threatened 
species'' on July 1, 2014 (79 FR 37577). This policy became effective 
on July 31, 2014, and the Service is now applying that interpretation 
to its listing determinations as a matter of agency policy. According 
to that final policy, an analysis of whether a species is endangered or 
threatened in a significant portion of its range is only undertaken 
when a species is found to not warrant listing under the Act throughout 
its range. We have determined that the northern long-eared bat warrants 
listing as a threatened species throughout its range, and, therefore, 
we did not conduct an SPR analysis for the species in this final 
listing determination.
    (65) Comment: One commenter suggested that northern long-eared bats 
may have greater potential for survivability because they roost singly 
rather than clustering in larger groups as do other species during 
hibernation.
    Our Response: The northern long-eared bat occasionally can be found 
in clusters with other bats, but typically is found roosting singly 
during hibernation. Although the species does not roost in clusters as 
much as other cave-bat species during hibernation, there are other 
life-history factors that are believed to increase the northern long-
eared bat's susceptibility to white-nose syndrome in comparison to 
other cave bat species (e.g., proclivity to roost in areas with 
increased humidity of hibernacula, longer hibernation time period). See 
our Factor C discussion in the section titled, ``Effects of White-nose 
Syndrome on the Northern Long-eared Bat,'' above, for a more detailed 
discussion.
    (66) Comment: Several commenters stated that forest practices 
conducted in Minnesota on County and other managed lands provide 
habitat for the northern long-eared bat and that properly managed 
forest has not affected northern long-eared bat populations.

[[Page 18019]]

    Our Response: We state within the five-factor analysis (Summary of 
Factors Affecting the Species) that other factors (other than white-
nose syndrome, including forest management) are not believed to be 
contributing the to the current decline species-wide. However, there 
could be localized impacts from these other stressors, such as forest 
management. Further, cumulative impacts may result from these other 
factors in addition to white-nose syndrome due to a diminished 
population in the future. See our Factor A discussion in the section 
titled, ``Summer Habitat,'' above, for a more detailed discussion of 
forest management and its impact on the northern long-eared bat.
    (67) Comment: One commenter stated that listing the northern long-
eared bat would negatively impact the species, because the presumed 
logging restriction would result in a loss of revenues from reduced 
logging profits and force the county to sell property, resulting in 
habitat fragmentation.
    Our Response: In making a determination as to whether a species 
meets the Act's definition of an endangered or threatened species, 
under section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act the Secretary is to make that 
determination based solely on the basis of the best scientific and 
commercial data available. The question of whether there may be some 
positive benefit to the listing cannot by law enter into the 
determination. The evaluation of economic impacts comes into play only 
in association with the designation of critical habitat under section 
4(b)(2) of the Act. Therefore, although we did not consider the 
economic impacts of the proposed listing, as such a consideration is 
not allowable under the Act; we will consider the potential economic 
impacts of the critical habitat designation, including the potential 
benefits of such designation.
    (68) Comment: Several commenters cited Ingersoll et al. (2013) as 
evidence that the northern long-eared bat was in decline prior to the 
onset of white-nose syndrome.
    Our Response: The Service reviewed the Ingersoll et al. (2013) 
paper and was not able to find support for the conclusion that 
commenters made. Based on a sampling of data from four States during an 
11- to 12-year period, the models utilized in Ingersoll did not treat 
hibernacula or time periods with and without WNS separately. Thus, 
there is no way to identify the impact of WNS on the model results, nor 
to show a pre-WNS model versus a post-WNS model. Moreover, the authors 
interpret their results to suggest that northern long-eared bat 
population declines did not increase as a result of WNS. The weight of 
other available evidence contradicts this interpretation, and still 
supports the conclusion that the bat was not imperiled prior to WNS.
    (69) Comment: One commenter stated that ``climate change does not 
pose a threat to the [northern long-eared bat]'' and asserted that 
``the Service should not reevaluate potential climate change impacts on 
the [northern long-eared bat]'' as the species is unlikely affected by 
climate change because they are roosting generalists, they are unlikely 
to become water stressed, and they are not limited to a northern 
latitude range, but rather occupy a large geographic range.
    Our Response: Under the Act, we include consideration of observed 
or likely environmental effects related to ongoing and projected 
changes in climate. The information presented in the ``Climate Change'' 
section under the Factor E discussion of this final listing rule 
thoroughly addresses the potential effects of a changing climate on the 
northern long-eared bat using the best available science.
    (70) Comment: One commenter questioned whether Pd could grow and 
reproduce on non-bat substrates, and consequently spread to caves with 
no bats present. The commenter further states that the northern long-
eared bat should not be listed to ``get ahead'' of WNS, as the 
potential future effects of WNS may or may not occur.
    Our Response: Lorch et al. (2014) determined that Pd remains viable 
in cave substrate even in the absence of bats. Additionally, Reynolds 
et al. (2015) concluded that this persistence is sufficient to allow Pd 
to spread in the absence of bats, and determined that the potential for 
Pd to proliferate in the absence of bats greatly increases the 
possibility of this manner of spread. Regardless of the ability of Pd 
to grow and reproduce on its own, the best science supports the 
supposition that white-nose syndrome is the primary and current cause 
of the decline of the northern long-eared bat. Pd or white-nose 
syndrome has currently been detected in 28 U.S. States and 5 Canadian 
provinces in the range of northern long-eared bat. All models consulted 
on the spread of white-nose syndrome have predicted a continued spread 
of Pd. We have determined that the northern long-eared bat meets the 
definition of a threatened species under the Act based on its current 
status and what we can reasonable predict will occur in the future.
    (71) Comment: One commenter was concerned that listing the northern 
long-eared bat ``could result in detrimental effects to current and 
future efforts to recover and provide suitable habitat for other 
threatened, endangered, and sensitive species'' while not addressing 
the primary threat of WNS. The commenter stated that other species may 
depend on some forest management for needed travel corridors, forest 
stand heterogeneity, and other activities.
    Our Response: While it is true that WNS is the primary threat to 
the northern long-eared bat (as discussed in Summary of Factors 
Affecting the Species), forest management and other stressors could 
have localized impacts, as well as cumulative impacts in conjunction 
with WNS. For a more detailed discussion of forest management and its 
impact on the northern long-eared bat, please see our Factor A 
discussion in the section titled, ``Summer Habitat,'' above.
    (72) Comment: Several commenters stated that the proposed listing 
rule overstated the impact from shale gas development. Commenters 
stated that the statements in the proposed listing rule regarding the 
number of wells projected and disturbance do not take into account the 
evolution and shift of technology of horizontal drilling and minimizing 
disturbance. Also, the surface disturbance created by the development 
of shale is temporary and many States require site restoration and 
reclamation as part of the permit and construction process.
    Our Response: As stated previously with regard to threats other 
than WNS, although shale gas development may impact the species at a 
local level, it is not believed to be independently impacting the 
species rangewide.
    (73) Comment: One commenter stated that the listing proposal does 
not adequately address the status of the northern long-eared bat in 
Canada. Currently, one third of its estimated geographic range lies 
within Canada, yet few data exist from this portion of the range from 
which a current status assessment or population trend can be drawn. 
Without comprehensive data from this large portion of the northern 
long-eared bat's geographic range, we cannot support the concept that 
this species is in danger of extinction.
    Our Response: In 2014, the northern long-eared bat was determined, 
under an emergency assessment, to be endangered under the Canadian 
(SARA) (Species at Risk Public Registry 2014). It is estimated that 
approximately 40 percent of its global range is in Canada (COSEWIC 
2012, p. 9; Species at Risk Public Registry 2014). Despite limited 
survey information on the species in Canada, the decision was made to 
list

[[Page 18020]]

the species under SARA because ``the imminent threat posed by WNS to 
these three bat species [northern long-eared bat, little brown bat, and 
tri-colored bat] were substantiated by verifiable evidence, which 
included evidence of the declines to these bats in Canada and the 
United States.'' WNS has been identified in five Canadian provinces: 
Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
    (74) Comment: Several commenters stated that the impact from the 
oil and gas industry on the northern long-eared bat is low because the 
technology of drilling is changing, thus minimizing disturbance. These 
commenters stated that the discussion included in the proposed listing 
rule did not adequately address this issue.
    Our Response: We acknowledge in this final rule that the footprint 
of oil and gas projects may be lessened by this new technology, and 
that some impact may be temporary in nature (see our Factor A 
discussion in the section titled, ``Summer Habitat,'' above). However, 
gas extraction continues to expand across the range of the northern 
long-eared bat and is still viewed as a type of forest conversion that 
may result in direct or indirect impact to the species, comparable to 
other forms of forest conversion. Although there could be localized 
impacts to northern long-eared bat populations from forest conversion 
relating to oil and gas development, factors other than white-nose 
syndrome are not believed to be contributing to the current decline of 
the species rangewide.
    (75) Comment: One commenter presented two recently published 
models, Alves et al. (2014) and Escobar et al. (2014), which address 
WNS spread throughout North America and urged careful consideration of 
each model in estimating the potential spread of WNS across the range 
of the northern long-eared bat. This commenter stressed the limitations 
of these models in predicting the rate of spread; however, they 
acknowledged that one of the models (Escobar et al. (2014) predicted 
WNS will continue to spread to all suitable areas.
    Our Response: We concur with the commenter's concerns regarding the 
limitations in using these models in predicting the rate of spread of 
WNS throughout the northern long-eared bat's range. Both Alves et al. 
(2014) and Escobar et al. (2014) are maximum entropy models, which are 
not effective for predicting areas unsuitable for Pd. Although these 
models may be useful in determining suitable habitat for Pd, they 
should not be used to predict or identify unsuitable habitat. For 
example, several sites predicted to be unsuitable for Pd by Alves et 
al. (September 2014) have already been confirmed with the disease. Due 
to these limitations, we have not used these models in arriving at the 
potential rate of spread of WNS across the northern long-eared bat's 
range.
    (76) Comment: One organization commented that, since the Service 
proposed the species as endangered, we cannot decide to change the 
status to threatened in the final rule without first proposing the 
species as threatened and providing the public an opportunity to 
comment on that determination.
    Our Response: In a proposed rule, the Service proposes the status 
it believes is warranted for the species, based on the information it 
has available at that time. After publishing that proposal, we seek 
comments on the underlying data and information used in that proposal, 
including the factors the Service considers in making a listing 
determination. In our final rulemaking, we analyze additional 
information and data received in peer review and public comments and 
testimony. Based on information received, in that final rulemaking we 
may take one of the following actions: (1) Publish a final listing rule 
as originally proposed, or as revised, because the best available 
biological data support it; or (2) withdraw the proposal because the 
biological information does not support listing the species. Thus, any 
time that we propose a species for listing, regardless of whether we 
propose to list the species as a threatened species or an endangered 
species, there are three possible outcomes of the rulemaking process: 
listing the species as endangered, listing the species as threatened, 
or withdrawing the proposed rule (and not listing the species). To use 
the terminology of case law regarding APA rulemaking, any of those 
three outcomes is necessarily a logical outgrowth of any proposed 
listing rule. Note also that the commenter did not argue (nor could it) 
that we must reopen a comment period before we determine to withdraw a 
proposed rule to list a species as endangered. It stands to reason that 
we could also determine to list as threatened, a result that diverges 
from a proposed endangered listing much lesser degree that a 
withdrawal, without reopening a comment period.
    Furthermore, in this instance, the public was given additional 
notice that the Service may consider listing the species as threatened 
instead of endangered when it published a proposed species-specific 
rule under section 4(d) of the Act. Such 4(d) rules may only be 
considered for species listed as threatened. With the multiple public 
comments periods held on the proposal, the public was provided ample 
opportunity to comment on the listing status determination, and in 
fact, we received numerous comments on our proposal to list the 
northern long-eared bat that specifically addressed the status 
determination.

Determination

    Our listing determination is guided by statutory definitions of the 
terms ``endangered'' and ``threatened.'' The Act defines an endangered 
species as any species that is ``in danger of extinction throughout all 
or a significant portion of its range'' and a threatened species as any 
species ``that is likely to become endangered throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range within the foreseeable future.'' The 
Service has further determined that the phrase ``in danger of 
extinction'' can be most simply expressed as meaning that a species is 
``on the brink of extinction in the wild.'' See December 22, 2011, 
Memorandum from Acting FWS Director Dan Ashe Re: Determination of 
Threatened Status for Polar Bears [hereinafter the ``Polar Bear 
Memo'']. In at least one type of situation, where a species still has 
relatively widespread distribution, but has nevertheless suffered 
ongoing major reductions in numbers, range, or both as a result of 
factors that have not been abated, the Service acknowledges that no 
distinct determination exists between ``endangered'' and 
``threatened.'' In such cases:

    Whether a species . . . is ultimately an endangered species or a 
threatened species depends on the specific life history and ecology 
of the species, the nature of the threats, and population numbers 
and trends. Even species that have suffered fairly substantial 
declines in numbers or range are sometimes listed as threatened 
rather than endangered (Polar Bear Memo, p. 6).

    As discussed in more detail below, the northern long-eared bat 
resides firmly in this category where no distinct determination exists 
to differentiate between endangered and threatened. Therefore, our 
determination that this species is threatened is guided by the best 
available data on the biology of this species, and the threat posed by 
white-nose syndrome.
    In determining whether to list the northern long-eared bat, and if 
so, whether it should be listed as endangered or as threatened, we are 
also guided by specific criteria set forth in section 4 of the Act (16 
U.S.C. 1533), and its implementing regulations at 50 CFR part 424, 
establishing procedures

[[Page 18021]]

for adding species to the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants. Under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, we may list a 
species based on: (A) The present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) 
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors 
affecting its continued existence. Listing actions may be warranted 
based on any of the above threat factors, singly or in combination.
    As discussed in detail below, we find that the northern long-eared 
bat is appropriately categorized as a threatened species. As discussed 
in detail under Factor C, in the sections titled ``White-nose 
Syndrome'' and ``Effects of White-nose Syndrome on the Northern Long-
eared Bat,'' WNS has impacted the species throughout much of its range, 
and can be expected to eventually (from 2 to 40 years based upon models 
of WNS spread dynamics, but more probably within 8 to 13 years) spread 
and impact the species throughout its entire range. Once WNS becomes 
established in new areas, we can expect similar, substantial losses of 
bats beginning in the first few years following infection (Factor C). 
There is currently no effective means to stop the spread of this 
disease, or to minimize bat mortalities associated with the disease. 
The spread of WNS and its expected impact on the northern long-eared 
bat are reasonably foreseeable, and thus the species is likely to 
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future.
    The Service also concludes, however, that while the species is 
likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future, 
it is not at the present time in danger of extinction. Stated another 
way, the species is not currently ``on the brink'' of extinction. In 
the time since our 2013 proposal to list the species as endangered, we 
have received and considered voluminous input on this issue. We have 
also obtained and carefully considered another 18 months of data and 
knowledge regarding the continuing effects of WNS on the species, and 
the prospects for spread of the disease throughout the entire range of 
the species. Since publication of the proposed rule in 2013, we have 
also received new population estimates for the species in some parts of 
its range. Several factors, in the aggregate, support a finding that 
the species is not currently endangered. For example, WNS has not yet 
been detected throughout the entire range of the species, and will not 
likely affect the entire range for some number of years (again, most 
likely 8 to 13 years). In addition, in the area not yet affected by WNS 
(about 40 percent of the species' total geographic range), the species 
has not yet suffered declines and appears stable (see Distribution and 
Relative Abundance, above). Finally, the species still persists in some 
areas impacted by WNS, thus creating at least some uncertainty as to 
the timing of the extinction risk posed by WNS. Even in New York, where 
WNS was first detected in 2007, small numbers of northern long-eared 
bats persist (see Distribution and Relative Abundance, above) despite 
the passage of approximately 8 years. Finally, coarse population 
estimates where they exist for this species indicate a population of 
potentially several million northern long-eared bats still on the 
landscape across the range of the species (see Distribution and 
Relative Abundance, above). No one factor alone conclusively 
establishes whether the species is ``on the brink'' of extinction. 
Taken together, however, the data indicate a current condition where 
the species, while likely to become in danger of extinction at some 
point in the foreseeable future, is not on the brink of extinction at 
this time.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the northern long-eared bat. There are several factors that affect 
the northern long-eared bat; however, no other threat is as severe and 
immediate to the species persistence as WNS (Factor C). This disease is 
the prevailing threat to the species, and there is currently no known 
cure. While we have received some information concerning localized 
impacts or concerns (unrelated to WNS) regarding the status of the 
northern long-eared bat, it is likely true that many North American 
wildlife species have suffered some localized, isolated impacts in the 
face of human population growth and the continuing development of the 
continent. Despite this, based upon available evidence, the species as 
a whole appears to have been doing well prior to WNS.
    Since WNS was first discovered in New York in 2007, the northern 
long-eared bat has experienced a severe and rapid decline in numbers, 
in the areas affected by the disease. As discussed in detail in Factor 
C, the available data (winter and summer surveys) indicate reductions 
in northern long-eared bat numbers due to WNS. Summer data, although 
more limited, indicate similar trends to those found in hibernacula 
surveys. Declines documented in summer surveys are sometimes smaller 
than the declines shown by winter/hibernacula surveys. For example, in 
Pennsylvania, pre and post-WNS winter surveys showed a 99 percent 
decline, with summer surveys showing a 76 percent decline. 
Unfortunately, summer data tend to show a continuing decline (e.g., by 
15 percent annually in Pennsylvania), which is likely to ultimately 
mirror the higher declines documented during the winter. We do not 
fully understand the reason for the difference, or ``lag'' between 
winter and summer trend data. Nonetheless, both winter and summer data 
ultimately corroborate one another to demonstrate declines in this 
species due to WNS; these data support our conclusion that the species 
is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
    Determining whether the northern long-eared bat is ``in danger of 
extinction,'' and thus either ``endangered'' or ``threatened'' under 
the Act, requires some consideration of the impact of the decline in 
numbers (as discussed under Factor C and summarized above) on the 
species' viability. We do not have firm rangewide population size 
estimates for this species (pre-WNS or post-WNS), nor do we have the 
benefit of a viability analysis. Nonetheless, principles of 
conservation biology are instructive in determining the impact of WNS 
on the viability of this species. Viability can be measured generally 
by a species' levels of resiliency, redundancy, and representation 
(Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 301-321). Resiliency means having the 
ability to withstand natural environmental fluctuations and 
anthropogenic stressors over time; redundancy means having a sufficient 
number of populations and distribution to guard against catastrophic 
events; and representation means having sufficient genetic and 
ecological diversity to maintain adaptive potential over time.
    The presence of surviving northern long-eared bats in areas 
infected by WNS for up to 8 years creates at least some question as to 
whether this species is displaying some degree of long-term resiliency. 
It is unknown whether some populations that have survived the infection 
are now stabilizing at a lower density or whether the populations are 
still declining in response to the disease, and whether those 
populations have been reduced below sustainable levels. In the long 
term, based upon our best understanding of conservation biology, we 
believe the declines seen in this species may be unsustainable (see

[[Page 18022]]

Biology, above). Finally, it is also unclear whether the response of 
bats to Pd in Europe has utility in predicting the long-term viability 
of bats in North America in response to Pd, as bats in Europe are 
thought to have evolved with the fungus (Factor C). But we must 
acknowledge at least some uncertainty as to whether species numbers in 
the WNS-affected areas in North America represent dramatically reduced, 
but potentially sustainable, populations. Given that we do not as of 
yet have a means to stop the spread of WNS and we anticipate the same 
impact (high mortality) observed to date to occur as WNS spreads across 
the range, substantial losses in redundancy and representation are 
likely as well. Thus, we believe it is likely that the northern long-
eared bat will decline to the point of being ``in danger of 
extinction.''
    Having established that the northern long-eared bat is likely to 
decline to the point of being ``in danger of extinction,'' we next 
focus on the timing of when the species will reach the point of being 
``in danger of extinction.'' In areas currently affected by WNS, there 
have clearly been significant population effects due to the disease. To 
date, however, WNS has not yet extended throughout the species' range. 
In the proposed listing rule, we concluded that the species was 
``endangered'' (i.e., in danger of extinction presently), as we 
believed that the rate of decline was unsustainable and WNS spread 
throughout the range was likely. In the listing proposal we also stated 
that WNS spread throughout the range would occur in the short term, but 
did not explicitly determine the timeframe. As explained under Factor 
C, the WNS spread models are not particularly useful in establishing a 
specific timeframe; together, these models indicate spread of WNS 
throughout the range by sometime between 2 and 40 years. Because of the 
lack of clarity on rate of spread obtained from the models, we believe 
it is more scientifically relevant to look at the rate of spread that 
has occurred to date on the landscape as a guide for the timeframe of 
WNS spread across the species' entire range. Using the data compiled to 
date, the fungus that causes WNS appears to have spread in all 
directions in North America, moving southwest at an average of over 175 
miles (280 km) per year, but expanding in every direction where bats 
live. At this rate, the fungus will extend throughout the bat's entire 
range in about 8 to 9 years (Service 2015, unpublished data). Finally, 
we note that the Canadian COSEWIC recently estimated that Pd and/or WNS 
would spread through the entire range of the northern long-eared bat 
within 12 to 15 years (COSEWIC 2013, p. xiv). Taking into account the 
passage of time since publication of the COSEWIC estimate, we will 
place the Canadian estimate of the spread of Pd and/or WNS throughout 
the full range of the species to be 10 to 13 years. Taken together, we 
conclude that the best estimate of the spread of Pd throughout the 
range of the northern long-eared bat is likely between 8 and 13 years, 
noting that there is typically a delay (up to several years) in the 
onset of the disease from the first arrival of the fungus.
    Although Pd/WNS is predicted to spread throughout the range of the 
species by 2023-2028, in the currently uninfected areas, northern long-
eared bat numbers have not declined, and the present threats to the 
species in those areas are relatively low. The presence of potentially 
millions of northern long-eared bats across the species' range (see 
Distribution and Relative Abundance, above), while by no means 
dispositive in its own right, also indicates a current condition in 
which species is not ``on the brink'' of extinction. Because the 
fungus/disease may not spread throughout the species' range for another 
8 to 13 years, because no significant declines have occurred to date in 
the portion of the range not yet impacted by the disease, and because 
some bats persist many years later in some geographic areas impacted by 
WNS (for unknown reasons), we conclude that the northern long-eared bat 
is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. 
However, because Pd is predicted to continue to spread, we also 
determine that the northern long-eared bat is likely to be in danger of 
extinction within the foreseeable future. Therefore, on the basis of 
the best available scientific and commercial information, we are 
listing the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species in 
accordance with sections 3(20) and 4(a)(1) of the Act.
    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is endangered or threatened throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range. Because we have determined that the 
northern long-eared bat is threatened throughout all of its range, no 
portion of its range can be ``significant'' for purposes of the 
definitions of ``endangered species'' and ``threatened species.'' See 
the Final Policy on Interpretation of the Phrase ``Significant Portion 
of Its Range'' in the Endangered Species Act's Definitions of 
``Endangered Species'' and ``Threatened Species'' (79 FR 37577, July 1, 
2014).

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
practices. Recognition through listing results in public awareness, and 
conservation by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies; private 
organizations; and individuals. The Act encourages cooperation with the 
States and requires that recovery actions be carried out for all listed 
species. The protection required by Federal agencies and the 
prohibitions against certain activities are discussed, in part, below.
    The primary purpose of the Act is the conservation of endangered 
and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The 
ultimate goal of such conservation efforts is the recovery of these 
listed species, so that they no longer need the protective measures of 
the Act. Subsection 4(f) of the Act requires the Service to develop and 
implement recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. The recovery planning process involves the 
identification of actions that are necessary to halt or reverse the 
species' decline by addressing the threats to its survival and 
recovery. The goal of this process is to restore listed species to a 
point where they are secure, self-sustaining, and functioning 
components of their ecosystems.
    Recovery planning includes the development of a recovery outline 
shortly after a species is listed and preparation of a draft and final 
recovery plan. The recovery outline guides the immediate implementation 
of urgent recovery actions and describes the process to be used to 
develop a recovery plan. Revisions of the plan may be done to address 
continuing or new threats to the species, as new substantive 
information becomes available. The recovery plan identifies site-
specific management actions that set a trigger for review of the five 
factors that control whether a species remains endangered or may be 
downlisted or delisted, and methods for monitoring recovery progress. 
Recovery plans also establish a framework for agencies to coordinate 
their recovery efforts and provide estimates of the cost of 
implementing recovery tasks. Recovery teams (composed of species 
experts, Federal and State agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and 
stakeholders) are often established to develop recovery plans. When 
completed, the recovery outline, draft recovery plan, and the

[[Page 18023]]

final recovery plan will be available on our Web site (https://www.fws.gov/endangered), or from our Twin Cities Ecological Services 
Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the 
participation of a broad range of partners, including other Federal 
agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, 
and private landowners. Examples of recovery actions include habitat 
protection, habitat restoration (e.g., restoration of native 
vegetation) and management, research, captive propagation and 
reintroduction, and outreach and education. The recovery of many listed 
species cannot be accomplished solely on Federal lands because their 
range may occur primarily or solely on non-Federal lands. To achieve 
recovery of these species requires cooperative conservation efforts on 
private, State, and Tribal lands.
    Following publication of this final listing rule, funding for 
recovery actions will be available from a variety of sources, including 
Federal budgets, State programs, and cost-share grants for non-Federal 
landowners, the academic community, and nongovernmental organizations. 
In addition, under section 6 of the Act, the States of Alabama, 
Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New 
Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, 
Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming would be 
eligible for Federal funds to implement management actions that promote 
the protection or recovery of the northern long-eared bat. Information 
on our grant programs that are available to aid species recovery can be 
found at: https://www.fws.gov/grants.
    Please let us know if you are interested in participating in 
recovery efforts for the northern long-eared bat. Additionally, we 
invite you to submit any new information on this species whenever it 
becomes available and any information you may have for recovery 
planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their 
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as an 
endangered or threatened species and with respect to its critical 
habitat, if any is designated. Regulations implementing this 
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR 
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to 
confer with the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of a species proposed for listing or result in 
destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a 
species is listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires 
Federal agencies to ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or 
carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the 
species or destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a 
Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the 
responsible Federal agency must enter into consultation with the 
Service.
    Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that may require 
conference or consultation or both as described in the preceding 
paragraph include management and any other landscape-altering 
activities on Federal lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, USFS, NPS, and other Federal agencies; issuance of section 404 
Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) permits by the U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers; and funding for construction and maintenance of roads or 
highways by the Federal Highway Administration.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving threatened wildlife under certain circumstances. Regulations 
governing permits are codified at 50 CFR 17.32. With regard to 
threatened wildlife, a permit may be issued for the following purposes: 
Scientific purposes, or the enhancement of propagation or survival, or 
economic hardship, or zoological exhibition, or educational purposes, 
or incidental taking, or special purposes consistent with the purposes 
of the Act. There are also certain statutory exemptions from the 
prohibitions, which are found in sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
    It is our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1, 
1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent practicable at 
the time a species is listed, those activities that would or would not 
constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this 
policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of a listing on 
proposed and ongoing activities within the range of listed species. At 
this time, other than those activities that are in compliance with the 
interim 4(d) rule described below, we are unable to identify specific 
activities that would not be considered to result in a violation of 
section 9 of the Act. Because the northern long-eared bat occurs in a 
variety of habitat conditions across its range, there are many 
different types of activities that, without site-specific conservation 
measures, may directly or indirectly affect the species.
    Based on the best available information, the following activities 
may potentially result in a violation of section 9 the Act; this list 
is not comprehensive: Activities that may affect the northern long-
eared bat that do not comport with the interim 4(d) rule (described 
below); activities that alter a northern long-eared bat hibernacula; 
activities that may disturb, alter, or destroy occupied maternity 
colony habitat; and activities that otherwise kill, harm, or harass 
northern long-eared bat at any time of the year.
    Questions regarding whether specific activities would constitute a 
violation of section 9 of the Act should be directed to the Twin Cities 
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Under section 4(d) of the Act, the Service has discretion to issue 
regulations that we find necessary and advisable to provide for the 
conservation of threatened wildlife. We may also prohibit by regulation 
with respect to threatened wildlife any act prohibited by section 
9(a)(1) of the Act for endangered wildlife. For the northern long-eared 
bat, the Service has developed an interim 4(d) rule, described below, 
that is tailored to the specific threats and conservation needs of this 
species.

Provisions of the Interim Species-Specific 4(d) Rule for the Northern 
Long-Eared Bat

    Under section 4(d) of the Act, the Secretary may publish a species-
specific rule that modifies the standard protections for threatened 
species with prohibitions and exceptions tailored to the conservation 
of the species that are determined to be necessary and advisable. Under 
this interim 4(d) rule, the Service applies all of the prohibitions set 
forth at 50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32 to the northern long-eared bat, except 
as noted below. This interim rule under section 4(d) of the Act will 
not remove, or alter in any way, the consultation requirements under 
section 7 of the Act.
    As discussed in the October 2, 2013, proposed rule (78 FR 61046), 
the primary factor supporting the proposed determination of endangered 
species status for the northern long-eared bat is the disease, white-
nose syndrome. We further determined that other threat factors 
(including forest management activities; wind-energy development; 
habitat modification, destruction, and disturbance; and other threats) 
may have cumulative effects to the species in addition to WNS; however, 
they have

[[Page 18024]]

not independently caused significant, population-level effects on the 
northern long-eared bat. Therefore, we are adopting a final rule to 
list the species as a threatened species, as explained earlier in this 
document, and in concert with that final rule, we are adopting an 
interim rule under section 4(d) of the Act to provide exceptions to the 
prohibitions for some of these activities that cause cumulative 
effects, as we deem necessary and advisable for the conservation of the 
species.
    We conclude that certain activities described in this section, when 
conducted in accordance with the conservation measures identified 
herein, will provide protection for the northern long-eared bat during 
its most sensitive life stages. These activities are: Forest management 
activities (subject to certain time restrictions); maintenance and 
minimal expansion of existing rights-of-way and transmission corridors, 
also subject to certain restrictions; prairie management; other 
projects resulting in minimal tree removal; hazard tree removal; 
removal of bats from and disturbance within human structures; and 
capture, handling, attachment of radio transmitters, and tracking 
northern long-eared bats for a 1-year period following the effective 
date of this interim 4(d) rule (see DATES). The Service concludes that 
incidental take that is caused by these activities implemented on 
private, State, tribal, and Federal lands will not be prohibited 
provided those activities abide by the conservation measures in this 
interim rule and are otherwise legal and conducted in accordance with 
applicable State, Federal, tribal, and local laws and regulations.

Buffer Zone Around WNS and Pseudogymnoascus destructans (the Fungus 
that Causes WNS) Positive Counties (WNS Buffer Zone)

    Currently, not all of the range of the northern long-eared bat is 
affected by WNS. Our status determination of the northern long-eared 
bat as a threatened species is primarily based on the impacts from WNS, 
and we also determined that the other threats, when acting on the 
species alone, are not causing the species to be in danger of 
extinction. Given this information, the Service concludes that while 
all purposeful take except removal of bats from human dwellings and 
survey and research efforts conducted within a 1-year period following 
the effective date of this interim 4(d) rule will be prohibited, all 
other take incidental to other lawful activities will be allowed in 
those areas of the northern long-eared bat's range not in proximity to 
documented occurrence of WNS or Pd, as identified by the Service.
    Currently, WNS is mainly detected by surveillance at bat 
hibernacula. Thus, our direct detection of the disease is limited 
largely to wintering bat populations in the locations where they 
hibernate. However, bats are known to leave hibernacula and travel 
great distances, sometimes hundreds of miles, to summer roosts. 
Therefore, the impacts of the disease are not limited to the immediate 
vicinity around bat hibernacula, but have an impact on a landscape 
scale. For northern long-eared bats, as with all species, this means 
that the area of influence of WNS is much greater than the counties 
known to harbor affected hibernacula, resulting in impacts to a much 
larger section of the species' range. To fully represent the extent of 
WNS, we must also include these summer areas.
    Overall, northern long-eared bats are not considered to be long-
distance migrants, typically dispersing 40 to 50 miles (64 to 80 
kilometers) from their hibernacula. However, other bat species that 
disperse much farther distances are also vectors for WNS spread and may 
transmit the disease to northern long-eared bat populations. It has 
been suggested that the little brown bat, in particular, be considered 
a likely source of WNS spread across eastern North America. Little 
brown bats tend to migrate greater distances, particularly in the 
western portions of their range, with distances up to 350 miles (563 
km) or more recorded (see Ellison 2008, p. 21; Norquay et al. 2013, p. 
510). In a recent study, reporting on bat band recoveries of little 
brown bats over a 21-year period, Norquay et al. (2013, pp. 509-510) 
describe recaptures between hibernacula and summer roosts with a 
maximum distance of 344 miles (554 km) and a median distance of 288 
miles (463 km).
    For the purpose of this interim rule, the counties within the 
northern long-eared bat's range that are considered to be affected by 
WNS are those within 150 miles (241 km) of the boundary of U.S. 
counties or Canadian districts where the fungus Pd or WNS has been 
detected. We acknowledge that 150 miles (241 km) does not capture the 
full range of potential WNS infection, but represents a compromise 
distance between the known migration distances of northern long-eared 
bats and little brown bats that is suitable for our purpose of 
estimating the extent of WNS infection on the northern long-eared bat. 
We have chosen to use county boundaries to delineate the boundary 
because they are clearly recognizable and will minimize confusion. If 
any portion of a county falls within 150 miles of a county with a WNS 
detection, the entire county will be considered affected. Anywhere 
outside of the geographic area defined by these parameters, northern 
long-eared bat populations will not be considered to be experiencing 
the impacts of WNS.
    The Service defines the term ``WNS buffer zone'' as the set of 
counties within the range of the northern long-eared bat within 150 
miles of the boundaries of U.S. counties or Canadian districts where 
the fungus Pd or WNS has been detected.
    For purposes of this interim 4(d) rule, coordination with the local 
Service Ecological Services field office is recommended to determine 
whether specific locations fall within the WNS buffer zone. For more 
information about the current known extent of WNS and the 150-mile 
(241-km) buffer, please see https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/.

Conservation Measures

    Under this interim 4(d) rule, take incidental to certain activities 
conducted in accordance with the following habitat conservation 
measures, as applicable, will not be prohibited (i.e., will be excepted 
from the prohibitions). For such take to be excepted, the activity 
must:
     Occur more than 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) from a known, 
occupied hibernacula;
     Avoid cutting or destroying known, occupied roost trees 
during the pup season (June 1-July 31); and
     Avoid clearcuts (and similar harvest methods, e.g., seed 
tree, shelterwood, and coppice) within 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) of 
known, occupied roost trees during the pup season (June 1-July 31).
    Note that activities that may cause take of northern long-eared bat 
that do not use these conservation measures may still be done, but only 
after consultation with the Service. This means that, while the 
resulting take from such activities is not excepted by this interim 
rule, the take may be authorized through other means provided in the 
Act (section 7 consultation or an incidental take permit).
    Known roost trees are defined as trees that northern long-eared 
bats have been documented as using during the active season 
(approximately April-October). Once documented, a tree will be 
considered to be a ``known roost'' as long as the tree and surrounding 
habitat remain suitable for northern long-eared bat. However, a tree 
may be considered to be unoccupied if there is evidence

[[Page 18025]]

that the roost is no longer in use by northern long-eared bats. 
Currently, most states and Natural Heritage Programs do not track 
roosts and many have not tracked any northern long-eared bat 
occurrences. We anticipate that this will improve over time, as 
information on the species increases post-listing.
    Known, occupied hibernacula are defined as locations where one or 
more northern long-eared bats have been detected during hibernation or 
at the entrance during fall swarming or spring emergence. Given the 
documented challenges of surveying for northern long-eared bats in the 
winter (use of cracks, crevices), any hibernacula with northern long-
eared bats observed at least once, will continue to be considered 
``known hibernacula'' as long as the hibernacula and its surrounding 
habitat remain suitable for northern long-eared bat. However, a 
hibernaculum may be considered to be unoccupied if there is evidence 
(e.g., survey data) that it is no longer in use by northern long-eared 
bats.
    These conservation measures aim to protect the northern long-eared 
bat during its most sensitive life stages. Hibernacula are an essential 
habitat and should not be destroyed or modified (any time of year). In 
addition, there are periods of the year when northern long-eared bats 
are concentrated at and around their hibernacula (fall, winter, and 
spring). Northern long-eared bats are susceptible to disruptions near 
hibernacula in the fall, when they congregate to breed and increase fat 
stores, which are depleted from migration, before entering hibernation. 
During hibernation, northern long-eared bat winter colonies are 
susceptible to direct disturbance. Briefly in spring, northern long-
eared bats yet again use the habitat surrounding hibernacula to 
increase fat stores for migration to their summering grounds. This 
feeding behavior is particularly important for the females, who must 
obtain enough fat stores to carry not only themselves, but also their 
unborn pups, to their summer home range.
    Risk of injury or death from being crushed when a roost tree is 
felled is most likely, but not limited, to nonvolant pups. The 
likelihood of roost trees containing larger number of northern long-
eared bats is greatest during pregnancy and lactation (April-July) with 
exit counts falling dramatically after this time (Foster and Kurta 
1999, p. 667; Sasse and Pekins 1996, pp. 91,92). Once the pups can fly, 
this risk is reduced because the pups will have the ability to flee 
their roost if it is being cut or otherwise damaged, potentially 
avoiding harm, injury, or mortality.
    The Service concludes that a 0.25-mile (0.4-km) buffer should be 
sufficient to protect most known, occupied hibernacula and hibernating 
colonies. This buffer will provide basic protection for the hibernacula 
and hibernating bats in winter from direct impacts, such as filling, 
excavation, blasting, noise, and smoke exposure. This buffer will also 
protect some roosting and foraging habitat around the hibernacula.
    The Service concludes that, in addition to preservation of known 
maternity roosts, a 0.25-mile (0.4-km) buffer for all clearcutting 
activities will be sufficient to protect the habitat surrounding known 
maternity roosts during the pup season. Clearcutting and similar 
methods is summarized here as the cutting of most or essentially all 
trees from an area; however, specific definitions are provided within 
the Society of American Foresters' Dictionary of Forestry. This buffer 
will prevent the cutting of known occupied roost trees, reduce the 
cutting of secondary roosts used by maternity colonies during the pup 
season from clearcutting activities, and protect some habitat for some 
known maternity colonies at least to some degree. Further, because 
colonies occupy more than one maternity roost in a forest stand and 
individual bats frequently change roosts, in some cases a portion of a 
colony or social network is likely to be protected by multiple 0.25 
mile (0.4 km) buffers.
    For purposes of this proposed rule and the conservation measures 
listed above, we recommend contacting the local state agency, State's 
Natural Heritage database, and local Service Ecological Services field 
office for information on the best current sources of northern long-
eared bat records in your state to determine the specific locations of 
the ``known roosts'' and ``known hibernacula.'' These locations will be 
informed by records in each State's Natural Heritage database, Service 
records, other databases, or other survey efforts.

Forest Management

    Continued forest management and silviculture is vital to the 
conservation and recovery of the northern long-eared bat. Under this 
interim rule, incidental take that is caused by forest management and 
silviculture activities that promote the long-term stability and 
diversity of forests, when carried out in accordance with the 
conservation measures, will not be prohibited. Forest management is the 
practical application of biological, physical, quantitative, 
managerial, economic, social, and policy principles to the 
regeneration, management, utilization and conservation of forests to 
meet specific goals and objectives (Society of American Foresters 
(SAF)(a), https://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/forest_management). 
Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, 
growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to 
meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a 
sustainable basis (SAF(b), https://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/silviculture). In addition to the conservation measures above, forest 
management and silviculture activities should also adhere to any 
applicable State water quality best management practices, where they 
exist. Further, we encourage the retention of snags and trees with 
characteristics (e.g., cavities and cracks) favorable for the 
establishment and maintenance of maternity roosts.
    The conversion of mature hardwood, or mixed, forest into 
intensively managed monoculture pine plantation stands, or non-forested 
landscape, is not exempted under this interim rule, as typically these 
types of monoculture pine plantations provide poor-quality bat habitat. 
Pine plantations are densely planted (e.g., typically 675 to 750, or 
more, trees per acre) and are comprised of single-age or similar age 
class timber. They are typically managed for timber production with, 
depending on the product, a uniform, planned endpoint. Maximum stocking 
rates and short rotations result in the forfeiture of structural 
diversity in exchange for elevated rates of wood productivity. 
Plantation productivity may be further enhanced through the use of 
genetically improved stock, fertilization, extensive site preparation, 
and reduction of competition. These management actions prohibit 
variably stocked stands, layers of understory and midstory vegetation, 
and longer rotations that enhance and maintain habitat traits required 
by many forest-dependent wildlife species (Allen et al. 1996, p. 13).
    Though forestry management and silviculture are vital to the long-
term survival and recovery of the species, where northern long-eared 
bats are present when these forest management activities are performed, 
bats could be exposed to habitat alteration or loss or direct 
disturbance (i.e., heavy machinery) or removal of maternity roost trees 
(i.e., harvest). In general, however, the northern long-eared bat is 
considered to have more flexible habitat requirements than other bat 
species (Carter and Feldhamer 2005, pp. 265-

[[Page 18026]]

266; Timpone et al. 2010, pp. 120-121), and most types of forest 
management should provide suitable habitat for the species over the 
long term (with the exception of conversion to monoculture pine forest, 
as discussed above). Based upon information obtained during previous 
comment periods on the proposed listing rule, approximately 2 percent 
of forests in States within the range of the northern long-eared bat 
are impacted by forest management activities annually (Boggess et al., 
2014, p. 9). Of this amount, in any given year a smaller fraction of 
forested habitat is impacted during the active season when pups and 
female bats are most vulnerable. These impacts are addressed by the 
above conservation measures adopted in this interim rule.
    Therefore, we anticipate that habitat modifications resulting from 
forest management and silviculture will not significantly affect the 
conservation of the northern long-eared bat. Further, although 
activities performed during the species' active season (roughly April 
through October) may directly kill or injure individuals, 
implementation of the conservation measures provided for in this 
interim rule will limit take by protecting currently known populations 
during their more vulnerable life stages.

Routine Maintenance and Limited Expansion of Existing Rights-of-way and 
Transmission Corridors

    Under this interim rule, incidental take that is caused by 
activities for the purpose of maintenance and limited expansion of 
existing rights-of-way and transmission corridors, when carried out in 
accordance with the conservation measures, will not be prohibited 
(i.e., will be excepted from the prohibitions). Rights-of-way (ROW) and 
transmission corridors are in place for activities such as 
transportation (highways, railways), utility transmission lines, and 
energy delivery (pipelines), though they are not limited to just these 
types of corridors. Under this interim rule, take of the northern long-
eared bat will not be prohibited provided the take is incidental to 
activities within the following categories:
    (1) Routine maintenance within an existing corridor or ROW, carried 
out in accordance with the previously described conservation measures.
    (2) Expansion of a corridor or ROW by up to 100 feet (30 m) from 
the edge of an existing cleared corridor or ROW, carried out in 
accordance with the previously described conservation measures.
    General ROW routine maintenance is designed to limit vegetation 
growth, within an existing footprint, so that operations can continue 
smoothly. These activities may include tree trimming or removal, 
mowing, and herbicide spraying. However, depending on the purpose of 
the corridor or ROW, maintenance may only be performed infrequently, 
and trees and shrubs may encroach into, or be allowed to grow within, 
the ROW until such time as maintenance is required. Expansion of these 
areas requires removal of vegetation along the existing ROW to increase 
capacity (e.g., road widening).
    Northern long-eared bats can occupy various species and sizes of 
trees when roosting. Because of their wide variety of habitat use when 
roosting and foraging, it is possible that they may be using trees 
within or near existing ROWs. Therefore, vegetation removal within or 
adjacent to an existing ROW may remove maternity roost trees and 
foraging habitat. Individuals may also temporarily abandon the areas, 
avoiding the physical disturbance until the work is complete. While ROW 
corridors can be large in overall distance, due to the relatively small 
scale of the habitat alteration involved in maintenance of the existing 
footprint, potential take is limited. No new forest fragmentation is 
expected as this expands existing open corridors. We also expect that 
excepting take prohibitions from ROW maintenance and limited expansion 
will encourage co-location of new linear projects within existing 
corridors. We conclude that the overall impact of ROW maintenance and 
limited expansion activities is not expected to adversely affect 
conservation and recovery efforts for the species.

Prairie Management

    Under this interim rule, incidental take that is caused by 
activities for the purpose of prairie management, when carried out in 
accordance with the conservation measures, will not be prohibited 
(i.e., will be excepted from the prohibitions). Prairie management 
involves management to maintain existing prairies and grasslands or 
efforts to reestablish grasslands that had previously been converted, 
usually to cropland. In some areas of the northern long-eared bat's 
range, tree and shrub species are overtaking prairie areas. Landowners 
and agencies working to establish or conserve prairies may have to 
manage trees and brush in order to maintain grasslands. Management 
activities include cutting, mowing, burning, grazing, or using 
herbicides on woody vegetation to minimize encroachment into prairies 
(Grassland Heritage Foundation, accessed December 23, 2014 https://www.grasslandheritage.org/). In the absence of fire, some researchers 
found tree species progressively invade and will eventually dominate 
tallgrass prairie (Bragg and Hulbert 1976, p. 23; Towne and Owensby 
1984, p. 397). In some areas, if prairies are not managed to keep woody 
vegetation suppressed, they can eventually become shrub or forest lands 
sometimes in as few as 40 years (Briggs et al. 2002, p. 578; Ratajczak 
et. al 2011, p. 3). We conclude that the overall impact of prairie 
management that removes or manages trees and brush to maintain prairies 
and grasslands is not expected to adversely affect conservation and 
recovery efforts for the species.

Projects Resulting in Minimal Tree Removal

    Under this interim rule, incidental take that results from projects 
causing minimal tree removal, when carried out in accordance with the 
conservation measures, will not be prohibited (i.e., will be excepted 
from the prohibitions). Throughout the millions of acres of forest 
habitat in the northern long-eared bat's range, many activities involve 
cutting or removal of individual or limited numbers of trees, but do 
not significantly change the overall nature and function of the local 
forested habitat. As such, activities that remove an acre or less of 
forested habitat are expected to have little or no impact on the 
ecological value and function and, therefore, will be considered to be 
``minimal'' as defined by this rule. Examples of activities that might 
fall within this category are firewood cutting, shelterbelt renovation, 
removal of diseased trees, culvert replacement, habitat restoration for 
fish and wildlife conservation, and backyard landscaping. These ongoing 
activities can occur throughout the northern long-eared bat's range, 
but we do not believe they materially affect the local forest habitat 
for this species and in some cases increase habitat availability in the 
long term.
    With respect to the term ``minimal,'' we limit the effect to an 
impact of one acre or less. Furthermore, the limitation of the impact 
to an acre or less may be interpreted as follows: One acre of 
contiguous habitat or one acre in total within a larger tract, whether 
that larger tract is entirely forested or a mixture of forested and 
non-forested cover types. Tract may be further defined as the property 
under the control of the project proponent or ownership. We conclude 
that the overall impact of projects causing this type of minimal tree 
removal is not expected to adversely affect conservation and recovery 
efforts for the species.

[[Page 18027]]

Hazardous Tree Removal

    Under this interim rule, incidental take that is caused by removal 
and management of hazardous trees will not be prohibited (i.e., will be 
excepted from the prohibitions). Removal of hazardous trees completed, 
as necessary, for human safety or for the protection of human 
facilities is the intent of this exception. Hazardous trees typically 
have defects in their roots, trunk, or branches that make them likely 
to fall, with the likelihood of causing personal injury or property 
damage. The limited removal of these hazardous trees may be widely 
dispersed but limited, and should result in very minimal incidental 
take of northern long-eared bat. We recommend, however, that removal of 
hazardous trees be done during the winter, wherever possible, when 
these trees will not be occupied by bats. We conclude that the overall 
impact of removing hazardous trees is not expected to adversely affect 
conservation and recovery efforts for the species.

Removal of Bats From and Disturbance Within Human Structures

    Under this interim rule, any take that is caused by removal of bats 
from and disturbance within human structures (e.g., harm from excluding 
bats from their previous roost site) will not be prohibited (i.e., will 
be excepted from the prohibitions), provided those actions comply with 
all applicable State laws. Northern long-eared bats have occasionally 
been documented roosting in human-made structures, such as houses, 
barns, pavilions, sheds, cabins, and bat houses (Mumford and Cope 1964, 
p. 72; Barbour and Davis 1969, p. 77; Cope and Humphrey 1972, p. 9; 
Amelon and Burhans 2006, p. 72; Whitaker and Mumford 2009, p. 209; 
Timpone et al. 2010, p. 119; Joe Kath 2013, pers. comm.). We conclude 
that the overall impact of bat removal from human structures is not 
expected to adversely affect conservation and recovery efforts for the 
species. In addition, we provide the following recommendations:
     Minimize use of pesticides (e.g., rodenticides) and avoid 
use of sticky traps as part of bat evictions/exclusions.
     Conduct exclusions during spring or fall unless there is a 
perceived public health concern from bats present during summer and/or 
winter.
     Contact a nuisance wildlife specialist for humane 
exclusion techniques.

Capture, Handling, and Related Activities for Northern Long-Eared Bats 
for 1 Year

    Under this interim rule, for a limited period of 1 year from the 
effective date of this interim 4(d) rule, purposeful take that is 
caused by the authorized capture, handling, and related activities 
(attachment of radio transmitters and tracking) of northern long-eared 
bats by individuals permitted to conduct these same activities for 
other bats will be excepted from the prohibitions. After this time 
period, all such take must be permitted following the Service's 
standard procedures under 10(a)(1)(A) of the Act. One method of 
determining presence/probable absence of northern long-eared bats is to 
conduct mist-netting at summer sites or harp trapping at hibernacula. 
Gathering of this information is essential to monitor the distribution 
and status of northern long-eared bats over time. In addition, northern 
long-eared bats are often captured incidentally to survey and study 
efforts targeted at other bat species (e.g., Indiana bats). It is 
necessary and advisable for the conservation of northern long-eared 
bats to provide an exception for the purposeful take associated with 
these normal survey activities conducted by qualified individuals to 
promote and encourage the gathering of information following standard 
procedures (including decontamination) as these data will help us 
conserve and recover this species. To receive an exception, proponents 
must have an existing research permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the 
Act, or similar State collector's permit, for other bat species. The 
rationale for this limited time period is that it will be difficult to 
amend all permits in time for this year.
    The Service concludes, for the reasons specified above, that all of 
the conservation measures, prohibitions, and exceptions identified in 
this interim rule individually and cumulatively are necessary and 
advisable for the conservation of the northern long-eared bat and will 
collectively promote the conservation of the species across its range.
    We publish this interim species-specific rule under section 4(d) of 
the Act in full recognition that WNS is the primary threat to species 
continued existence. All of the other (non-WNS) threats combined did 
not lead to imperilment of the species, and elimination of all other 
non-WNS threats will not likely improve the potential for recovery of 
this species in any meaningful way unless we find a means to address 
WNS. We also recognize, however, that in those areas of the country 
impacted by WNS, some reasonable measures may be taken to protect the 
species from additive stresses as a result of other factors. By 
focusing on conservation measures that clearly protect individual bats, 
we minimize needless and preventable deaths of bats during the species' 
most sensitive life stages. Although not fully protective of every 
individual, the conservation measures identified in this interim rule 
help protect maternity and hibernating colonies, while allowing limited 
impacts to habitat. We have focused the Act's protections on the 
landscape scale by protecting known hibernacula, protecting the species 
from activities that would result in large-scale forest conversion or 
loss, and encouraging research on WNS and other aspects of the species' 
biology by simplifying the permitting process. This interim species-
specific rule under section 4(d) of the Act provides the flexibility 
for certain activities to occur while not significantly impacting 
habitat for this species and while still promoting conservation of the 
species across its range.
    Of the activities excepted by this interim rule, we project that 
forest management activities will have the greatest potential impact on 
the northern long-eared bat. Based upon information obtained during 
previous comment periods on the proposed listing rule, we expect 
approximately 2 percent of forests in States within the range of the 
northern long-eared bat to experience forest management activities this 
year (Boggess et al., 2014, p. 9). Put another way, we would expect 98 
percent of potential habitat to be completely unaffected by forest 
management while this interim rule is in effect. Of the remaining 2 
percent, a smaller fraction of this forested habitat will actually be 
harvested during the northern long-eared bat's active season (April-
October), and a smaller portion yet would be harvested during the pup 
season. For the remaining percentage of bats actually affected by 
forest management, we expect implementation of the conservation 
measures to significantly reduce the take of those individual bats 
where there are known northern long-eared bat roost trees. When 
occupied roosts are cut outside of the pup season or if undocumented 
northern long-eared bat roosts are cut while occupied, some portion of 
these individuals (particularly males) will flee the roost and survive. 
Thus, we anticipate only a small percentage (less than 1 percent) of 
northern long-eared

[[Page 18028]]

bats will be impacted by forestry management activities.
    We anticipate that the additional activities covered by this 
interim species-specific 4(d) rule will only have a minimal impact on 
northern long-eared bat habitat and individuals. The activities 
associated with ROW management and expansion, minimal tree removal, 
prairie management, and hazard tree removal collectively impact only 
small percentages of northern long-eared bat habitat; low levels of 
take of individuals are expected given the limited scope of these 
activities and the season during which they occur.
    We conclude that take of the northern long-eared bat excepted by 
this interim rule will be small and will not pose a significant impact 
on the conservation of the species as a whole. However, we recognize 
that there is some uncertainty regarding the level of take that may 
result and that there are other approaches and additional conservation 
measures could improve the overall conservation outcome of this interim 
species-specific rule under section 4(d) of the Act. We are seeking 
public comments on this interim rule (see Public Comments Solicited on 
the Interim 4(d) Rule, below), and we will publish either an 
affirmation of the interim rule or a final rule amending the interim 
rule after we fully consider all comments we receive. If you previously 
submitted comments or information on the proposed 4(d) rule we 
published on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 2371), please do not resubmit 
them. We have incorporated them into the public record, and we will 
fully consider them in our final determination on the 4(d) rule.
    Table 2 (below) summarizes the details of the interim species-
specific 4(d) rule for the northern long-eared bat.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Take exceptions in interim 4(d) rule
   Is the area affected by WNS (WNS    Take prohibitions at 50 -------------------------------------------------
            buffer zone)?                CFR 17.31 and 17.32           Purposeful               Incidental
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No...................................  All apply, with the      Actions with the intent  Any incidental take of
                                        following exceptions     to remove northern       northern long-eared
                                        listed here.             long-eared bats from     bats resulting from
                                                                 within human             otherwise lawful
                                                                 structures and that      activities.
                                                                 comply with all
                                                                 applicable State
                                                                 regulations.
                                                                Actions relating to
                                                                 capture and handling
                                                                 of northern long-eared
                                                                 bats by individuals
                                                                 permitted to conduct
                                                                 these same activities
                                                                 for other bats, for a
                                                                 period of 1 year
                                                                 following the
                                                                 effective date of the
                                                                 interim 4(d) rule.
Yes..................................  All apply, with the      Actions with the intent  Implementation of
                                        following exceptions     to remove northern       forest management,
                                        listed here.             long-eared bats from     maintenance and
                                                                 within human             expansion of existing
                                                                 structures and that      rights-of-way (ROW)
                                                                 comply with all          and transmission
                                                                 applicable State         corridors, prairie
                                                                 regulations.             management, and
                                                                                          minimal tree removal
                                                                                          projects that:
                                                                                          Occur more
                                                                                          than 0.25 mile (0.4
                                                                                          km) from a known,
                                                                                          occupied hibernacula;
                                                                                          Avoid cutting
                                                                                          or destroying known,
                                                                                          occupied roost trees
                                                                                          during the pup season
                                                                                          (June 1-July 31); and
                                                                                          Avoid
                                                                                          clearcuts (and similar
                                                                                          harvest methods, e.g.,
                                                                                          seed tree,
                                                                                          shelterwood, and
                                                                                          coppice) within 0.25
                                                                                          mile (0.4 km) of
                                                                                          known, occupied roost
                                                                                          trees during the pup
                                                                                          season (June 1-July
                                                                                          31).
                                                                Actions relating to       Routine
                                                                 capture, and handling    maintenance within an
                                                                 of northern long-eared   existing corridor or
                                                                 bats by individuals      ROW, carried out in
                                                                 permitted to conduct     accordance with the
                                                                 these same activities    previously described
                                                                 for other bats, for a    conservation measures.
                                                                 period of 1 year         Expansion of a
                                                                 following the            corridor or ROW by up
                                                                 effective date of the    to 100 feet (30 m)
                                                                 interim 4(d) rule.       from the edge of an
                                                                                          existing cleared
                                                                                          corridor or ROW,
                                                                                          carried out in
                                                                                          accordance with the
                                                                                          previously described
                                                                                          conservation measures.
                                                                                         Removal of hazard trees
                                                                                          for the protection of
                                                                                          human life and
                                                                                          property.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Need for Interim Final Rule

    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA), we have good cause to find that the delay in adopting a rule, 
which would be caused by adequately addressing and responding to public 
comments on the January 16, 2015, proposed rule (80 FR 2371), would be 
detrimental to the conservation of the northern long-eared bat and, 
therefore, is contrary to the public interest. If the Secretary went 
through the standard rulemaking process (granting requested extensions 
of the public notice-and-comment period and honoring requests for 
public hearings or meetings), we would be unable to finalize the 
conservation measures set forth in this interim rule concurrent with 
the final listing rule. This would result in the default provisions at 
50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32 controlling northern long-eared bat management 
until we complete the standard process to adopt a 4(d) rule. That 
outcome would be contrary to the public interest in this case because 
immediate implementation of the interim rule has the advantage of 
providing a conservation benefit to northern long-eared bat that is 
unavailable under the general threatened species provisions at 50 CFR 
17.31 and 17.32. Under this interim rule, the Service can continue to 
except the take that will result from the activities addressed within 
and still address the conservation of bats in individual known roost 
trees that need protection due to the impacts of WNS. The general 
threatened species

[[Page 18029]]

provisions at 50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32 would not allow such protection 
for northern long-eared bat. In addition, as discussed in detail in the 
preamble, applying the default provisions under 50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32, 
unmodified by a species-specific 4(d) rule, would not provide any 
significant conservation benefit to the species. Alternatively, another 
option left to the agency's discretion would be to have no prohibitions 
for a species determined to be threatened. However, as stated, we think 
that it is appropriate to provide some protection for this species 
during its most sensitive life stages so that the northern long-eared 
bat has the best chance of fighting WNS. We believe this interim 
species-specific 4(d) rule provides a balance between the default 
provisions at 50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32 and no take prohibitions by 
providing the flexibility for certain activities to occur while not 
significantly impacting habitat for this species and still promoting 
species conservation across its range.
    In general, interim rules are effective immediately upon 
publication due to the urgency of the actions within those rules. The 
final rule listing the northern long-eared bat as threatened is 
published as a part of this document, and is effective in 30 days (see 
DATES). To avoid any confusion arising from varying effective dates, 
and because we cannot establish a 4(d) rule for a species that is not 
yet listed, this interim species-specific 4(d) rule will also be 
effective in 30 days (see DATES), to coincide with the effective date 
of the listing.

Public Comments Solicited on the Interim 4(d) Rule

    We request comments or information from other concerned Federal and 
State agencies, the scientific community, or any other interested party 
concerning the interim 4(d) rule. We will consider all comments and 
information we receive during our preparation of an affirmation or 
final rule under section 4(d) of the Act. With regard to the interim 
4(d) rule, we particularly seek comments regarding:
    (1) Whether measures outlined in this interim rule under section 
4(d) of the Act are necessary and advisable for the conservation and 
management of the northern long-eared bat.
    (2) Whether it may be appropriate to except incidental take as a 
result of other categories of activities beyond those covered by this 
interim rule and, if so, under what conditions and with what 
conservation measures.
    (3) Whether the Service should modify the portion of this interim 
rule under section 4(d) of the Act that defines how the portion of the 
northern long-eared bat range will be identified as the ``WNS buffer 
zone.'' We are seeking comments regarding the factors and process we 
used to delineate where on the ground we believe WNS is likely 
affecting the northern long-eared bat and whether that delineation 
should incorporate political boundaries (e.g., county lines) for ease 
in describing the delineated area to the public.
    (4) Additional provisions the Service may wish to consider for a 
revision to this interim rule under section 4(d) of the Act in order to 
conserve, recover, and manage the northern long-eared bat.
    Please note that comments merely stating support for or opposition 
to the action under consideration without providing supporting 
information, although noted, will not be considered in making a 
determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that 
determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or a 
threatened species must be made ``solely on the basis of the best 
scientific and commercial data available.'' If you previously submitted 
comments or information on the January 16, 2015, proposed rule, please 
do not resubmit them. We have incorporated them into the public record, 
and we will fully consider them in our final determination on this 
interim rule. Our final determination on this interim rule will take 
into consideration all written comments and any additional information 
we receive. The final decision may differ from this interim final rule, 
based on our review of all information received during this rulemaking 
proceeding.
    Our intent is to issue an affirmation of this interim rule or a 
final species-specific rule under section 4(d) of the Act for the 
northern long-eared bat by the end of the calendar year 2015.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this interim 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you 
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
    If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the Web site. If your submission is made via a hardcopy 
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the 
top of your document that we withhold this information from public 
review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We 
will post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov. 
Please include sufficient information with your comments to allow us to 
verify any scientific or commercial information you include.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this interim rule, will be available 
for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, 
during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Critical Habitat

Background

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:
    (1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the 
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which 
are found those physical or biological features
    (a) Essential to the conservation of the species, and
    (b) Which may require special management considerations or 
protection; and
    (2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas 
are essential for the conservation of the species.
    Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use 
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring 
an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures 
provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and 
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated 
with scientific resources management such as research, census, law 
enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live 
trapping, and transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where 
population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise 
relieved, may include regulated taking.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation 
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is 
not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect 
land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or 
other conservation area. Such designation does not allow the government 
or public to access private lands. Such

[[Page 18030]]

designation does not require implementation of restoration, recovery, 
or enhancement measures by non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner 
requests Federal agency funding or authorization for an action that may 
affect a listed species or critical habitat, the consultation 
requirements of section 7(a)(2) of the Act would apply, but even in the 
event of a destruction or adverse modification finding, the obligation 
of the Federal action agency and the landowner is not to restore or 
recover the species, but to implement reasonable and prudent 
alternatives to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat.
    Under the first prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time 
it was listed are included in a critical habitat designation if they 
contain physical or biological features (1) which are essential to the 
conservation of the species and (2) which may require special 
management considerations or protection. For these areas, critical 
habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the best 
scientific and commercial data available, those physical or biological 
features that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as 
space, food, cover, and protected habitat). In identifying those 
physical and biological features within an area, we focus on the 
principal biological or physical constituent elements (primary 
constituent elements such as roost sites, nesting grounds, seasonal 
wetlands, water quality, tide, soil type) that are essential to the 
conservation of the species. Primary constituent elements are those 
specific elements of the physical or biological features that provide 
for a species' life-history processes and are essential to the 
conservation of the species.
    Under the second prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical 
area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a 
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the 
species. For example, an area currently occupied by the species but 
that was not occupied at the time of listing may be essential to the 
conservation of the species and may be included in the critical habitat 
designation. We designate critical habitat in areas outside the 
geographical area occupied by a species only when a designation limited 
to its range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the 
species.
    Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on 
the basis of the best scientific data available. Further, our Policy on 
Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act (published in 
the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the Information 
Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)), 
and our associated Information Quality Guidelines, provide criteria, 
establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions 
are based on the best scientific data available. They require our 
biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of 
the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources 
of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical 
habitat.
    When we are determining which areas should be designated as 
critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the 
information developed during the listing process for the species. 
Additional information sources may include the recovery plan for the 
species, articles in peer-reviewed journals, conservation plans 
developed by States and counties, scientific status surveys and 
studies, biological assessments, other unpublished materials, or 
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
    Habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to another 
over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a 
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that 
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species. 
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that 
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed 
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the 
conservation of listed species, both inside and outside the critical 
habitat designation, continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation 
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act, (2) regulatory 
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act 
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species, and (3) section 9 of the Act's prohibitions on taking any 
individual of the species, including taking caused by actions that 
affect habitat. Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed 
species outside their designated critical habitat areas may still 
result in jeopardy findings in some cases. These protections and 
conservation tools will continue to contribute to recovery of this 
species. Similarly, critical habitat designations made on the basis of 
the best available information at the time of designation will not 
control the direction and substance of future recovery plans, HCPs, or 
other species conservation planning efforts if new information 
available at the time of these planning efforts calls for a different 
outcome.

Prudency Determination

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing 
regulations (50 CFR 424.12), require that, to the maximum extent 
prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at 
the time the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. Our 
regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that the designation of 
critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following 
situations exist: (1) The species is threatened by taking or other 
human activity, and identification of critical habitat can be expected 
to increase the degree of threat to the species, or (2) such 
designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species.
    There is currently no imminent threat of take attributed to 
collection or vandalism for the northern long-eared bat, and 
identification and mapping of critical habitat is not expected to 
initiate any such threat. In the absence of finding that the 
designation of critical habitat would increase threats to a species, if 
there are any benefits to a critical habitat designation, then a 
prudent finding is warranted. In general, the potential benefits of 
designation may include: (1) Triggering consultation under section 7 of 
the Act, in new areas for actions in which there may be a Federal nexus 
where it would not otherwise occur because, for example, it is or has 
become unoccupied or the occupancy is in question; (2) focusing 
conservation activities on the most essential features and areas; (3) 
providing educational benefits to State or county governments or 
private entities; and (4) preventing people from causing inadvertent 
harm to the species. Therefore, because we have determined that the 
designation of critical habitat will not likely increase the degree of 
threat to the species and may provide some measure of benefit, we find 
that designation of critical habitat is prudent for the northern long-
eared bat.

Critical Habitat Determinability

    Having determined that designation is prudent, under section 
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for the 
species is determinable. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(2) state 
that critical habitat is not determinable

[[Page 18031]]

when one or both of the following situations exist: (i) Information 
sufficient to perform required analyses of the impacts of the 
designation is lacking, or (ii) The biological needs of the species are 
not sufficiently well known to permit identification of an area as 
critical habitat.
    We reviewed the available information pertaining to the biological 
needs of the species and habitat characteristics where this species is 
located. As information regarding the biological needs of the species 
is not sufficiently well known to permit identification of areas as 
critical habitat, we conclude that the designation of critical habitat 
is not determinable for the northern long-eared bat at this time.
    There are many uncertainties in designating hibernacula as critical 
habitat for the northern long-eared bat. We lack sufficient information 
to define the physical and biological features or primary constituent 
elements with enough specificity; we are not able to determine how 
habitats affected by WNS (where populations previously thrived and are 
now extirpated) may contribute to the recovery of the species or 
whether those areas may still contain essential physical and biological 
features. Therefore, we currently lack the information necessary to 
propose critical habitat for the species.
    There are also uncertainties with potential designation of summer 
habitat, specifically maternity colony habitat. Although research has 
given us indication of some key summer roost requirements, the northern 
long-eared bat appears to be somewhat opportunistic in roost selection, 
selecting varying roost tree species and types of roosts throughout the 
range. Although research has shown some consistency in female summer 
roost habitat (e.g., selection of mix of live trees and snags as 
roosts, roosting in cavities, roosting beneath bark, and roosting in 
trees associated with closed canopy), the species and diameter of the 
tree (when tree roost is used) selected by northern long-eared bats for 
roosts vary widely depending on availability. Thus, it is not clear 
whether certain summer habitats are essential for the recovery of the 
species or whether these areas may require special management.
    A careful assessment of the designation of hibernacula as critical 
habitat will require additional time to fully evaluate which features 
are essential to the conservation of the northern long-eared bat and 
how those features might change as WNS spreads. In addition, summer 
habitat will require a similar assessment and evaluation of the 
essential physical and biological features and what special management 
they might require. Additionally, we have not gathered sufficient 
economic and other data on the impacts of critical habitat designation. 
These factors must be considered as part of the designation process. 
Thus, we find that critical habitat is not determinable for the 
northern long-eared bat at this time.

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with listing a species as an endangered or 
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We published a 
notice outlining our reasons for this determination in the Federal 
Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). It is the position of the 
Service that rules promulgated under section 4(d) of the Act 
concurrently with listing the species fall under the same rationale as 
outlined in the October 25, 1983, determination. For this reason, we 
did not conduct analysis under NEPA for the interim rule under section 
4(d) of the Act. However, it is our intent to comply with NEPA 
standards at the time we publish either an affirmation of the interim 
4(d) rule we are adopting in this document or a final rule amending the 
interim 4(d) rule based on comments we receive.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994 
(Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to tribes.
    In October 2013, Tribes and multi-tribal organizations were sent 
letters inviting them to begin consultation and coordination with the 
service on the proposal to listing the northern long-eared bat. In 
August 2014, several Tribes and multi-tribal organizations were sent an 
additional letter regarding the Service's intent to extend the deadline 
for making a final listing determination by 6 months. A conference call 
was also held with Tribes to explain the listing process and discuss 
any concerns. Following publication of the proposed rule, the Service 
established 3 interagency teams (biology of the northern long-eared 
bat, non-WNS threats, and conservation measures) to ensure that States, 
Tribes, and other Federal agencies were able to provide input into 
various aspects of the listing rule and potential conservation measures 
for the species. Invitations for inclusion in these teams were sent to 
Tribes within the range of the northern long-eared bat and a few tribal 
representatives participated on those teams. Two additional conference 
calls (in January and March 2015) were held with Tribes to outline the 
proposed species-specific 4(d) rule and to answer questions. Through 
this coordination, some Tribal representatives expressed concern about 
how listing the northern long-eared bat may impact forestry practices, 
housing development programs, and other activities on Tribal lands.

Clarity of the Interim 4(d) Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (1) Be logically organized;
    (2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (5) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To 
better help us revise the 4(d) rule, your comments should be as 
specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of 
the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections 
or sentences are too long, or the sections where you feel lists or 
tables would be useful.

[[Page 18032]]

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this document is available 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the 
Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this document are the staff members of the 
Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 
of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, 
unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by adding an entry for ``Bat, northern long-
eared'' in alphabetical order under MAMMALS to the List of Endangered 
and Threatened Wildlife to read as follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Species                                                    Vertebrate
--------------------------------------------------------                        population where                                  Critical     Special
                                                            Historic range       endangered or         Status      When listed    habitat       rules
           Common name                Scientific name                              threatened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             MAMMALS
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Bat, northern long-eared.........  Myotis                U.S.A. (AL, AR, CT,  Entire.............  T                       857           NA     17.40(o)
                                    septentrionalis.      DE, DC, GA, IL,
                                                          IN, IA, KS, KY,
                                                          LA, ME, MD, MA,
                                                          MI, MN, MS, MO,
                                                          MT, NE, NH, NJ,
                                                          NY, NC, ND, OH,
                                                          OK, PA, RI, SC,
                                                          SD, TN, VT, VA,
                                                          WV, WI, WY);
                                                          Canada (AB, BC,
                                                          LB, MB, NB, NF,
                                                          NS, NT, ON, PE,
                                                          QC, SK, YT).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.40 by adding paragraph (o) to read as follows:


Sec.  17.40  Special rules--mammals.

* * * * *
    (o) Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). The 
provisions of this rule are based upon the occurrence of white-nose 
syndrome (WNS), a disease affecting many U.S. bat populations. The term 
``WNS buffer zone'' identifies the portion of the range of the northern 
long-eared bat within 150 miles of the boundaries of U.S. counties or 
Canadian districts where the fungus Pd or WNS has been detected. For 
current information regarding the WNS buffer zone, contact your local 
Service ecological services field office. Field office contact 
information may be obtained from the Service regional offices, the 
addresses of which are listed in 50 CFR 2.2.
    (1) Outside the WNS buffer zone, the following provisions apply to 
the northern long-eared bat:
    (i) Prohibitions. Except as noted in paragraphs (o)(1)(ii)(A) and 
(B) of this section, all the prohibitions and provisions of Sec. Sec.  
17.31 and 17.32 apply to the northern long-eared bat.
    (ii) Exceptions from prohibitions. (A) Purposeful take:
    (1) Take resulting from actions taken to remove northern long-eared 
bats from within human structures, if the actions comply with all 
applicable State regulations.
    (2) Take resulting from actions relating to capture, handling, and 
related activities for northern long-eared bats by individuals 
permitted to conduct these same activities for other species of bat 
until May 3, 2016.
    (B) Any incidental (non-purposeful) take of northern long-eared 
bats resulting from otherwise lawful activities.
    (2) Inside the WNS buffer zone, the following provisions apply to 
the northern long-eared bat:
    (i) Prohibitions. Except as noted in paragraphs (o)(2)(ii)(A) and 
(B) of this section, all prohibitions and provisions of Sec. Sec.  
17.31 and 17.32 apply to the northern long-eared bat.
    (ii) Exceptions from prohibitions. Take of northern long-eared bat 
is not prohibited in the following circumstances:
    (A) Purposeful take:
    (1) Take resulting from actions taken to remove northern long-eared 
bats from within human structures, if the actions comply with all 
applicable State regulations.
    (2) Take resulting from actions relating to capture, handling, and 
related activities for northern long-eared bats by individuals 
permitted to conduct these same activities for other species of bat 
until May 3, 2016.
    (B) Incidental take:
    (1) Implementation of forest management, maintenance and expansion 
of existing rights-of-way and transmission corridors, prairie 
management, and minimal tree removal projects that:
    (i) Occur more than 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) from a known, 
occupied hibernacula;
    (ii) Avoid cutting or destroying known, occupied roost trees during 
the pup season (June 1-July 31); and
    (iii) Avoid clearcuts (and similar harvest methods, e.g., seed 
tree,

[[Page 18033]]

shelterwood, and coppice) within 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) of known, 
occupied roost trees during the pup season (June 1-July 31).
    (2) Routine maintenance within an existing corridor or right-of-
way, carried out in accordance with the conservation measures set forth 
at paragraph (o)(2)(ii)(B)(1).
    (3) Expansion of a corridor or right-of-way by up to 100 feet (30 
meters) from the edge of an existing cleared corridor or right-of-way, 
carried out in accordance with the conservation measures set forth at 
paragraph (o)(2)(ii)(B)(1).
    (4) Removal of hazardous trees for the protection of human life and 
property.

    Dated: March 23, 2015.
Stephen Guertin,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-07069 Filed 4-1-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-55-P