Conservationists warn: Bats in hibernation are threatened!

Conservationists warn: Bats in hibernation are threatened!

There is a lot to consider during the cold season, especially when it comes to our local animals. Winter is just around the corner and while many animals retire to rest, the Federal Nature Conservation Association is concerned about the bats in the region. NP Coburg reports that bats retreat to suitable roosts in winter to hibernate, which often lasts from October to April.

During this time, the bats' body temperature drops, their heart beats slower and they only breathe once or twice per minute. In this way, the animals save valuable energy, which they urgently need in winter. But caution is advised: disruptions in sleep can cause them to wake up and thereby endanger their fat reserves.

Appeal to the population

The Federal Nature Conservation Association therefore appeals to everyone not to enter resting places such as caves, old tunnels or cellars in winter. Some of these winter quarters are even closed to protect the animals. Would you like to find out more about bat protection or get involved? On November 16th at 6 p.m., the Bat Working Group of the Federal Nature Conservation Association will meet at the Gasthaus Schmitt in Augsfeld. At this meeting, a review of the summer quarters inspection is held, current protection projects are discussed and the winter quarters inspections are planned. Anyone interested is welcome and can find information at ebern@bund-naturschutz.de or by phone at 09531/1737.

But it's not just bats that retreat in the winter, many other animals also need rest to survive the cold months. Heart for animals describes that hibernation is not a real sleep phase, but a time in which the body's functions are significantly reduced. In the fall, the animals eat a layer of fat to have enough energy, while their metabolism slows down and their body temperature drops to just above zero.

Who hibernates?

Animals that hibernate include:

• Igel: Winterschlaf von November bis März unter Hecken und in Erdmulden.
• Siebenschläfer: Überwintern in Nester aus Moos und halten verschiedene Temperaturen in Gruppen.
• Fledermäuse: Nutzen Höhlen mit Temperaturen von 1-2 Grad Celsius für ihren Winterschlaf.
• Murmeltiere: Halten sich von Ende September bis Mai in Gruppen und polstern ihre Bau.

Some animals, such as squirrels or badgers, hibernate and are still sporadically active, while other species fall into deep hibernation. These different strategies show how important it is to protect our nature and animal inhabitants during the cold season.

Wintertime not only brings cold temperatures, but also exciting opportunities to take care of the local wildlife. Be careful and support the necessary protective measures!