Wild bat populations are experiencing catastrophic declines from white-nose syndrome, wind turbine mortality, and habitat loss, threatening both bat welfare and ecosystems they support.
Bat welfare and conservation are deeply intertwined — bats that survive in declining populations face ongoing stress from disease, habitat loss, and persecution. White-nose syndrome causes suffering through disrupted hibernation and emaciation. Wind turbine-related bat mortality peaks in late summer and can be substantially reduced by curtailing turbines during low-wind conditions when bats are most active. Building-eviction exclusions must occur outside maternity season to prevent pup mortality.