During hibernation, Indiana bats occupy open areas of hibernacula ceilings and generally avoid crevices and other enclosed areas.
They were associated with hibernacula that were long (µ=2,817 feet or 858 m), had high ceilings (µ=15 feet or 4.5 m), and had large entrances (µ=104.4 feet² or 9.7 m²).
The preferred hibernacula often had multiple entrances promoting airflow.
Hibernacula choice may be influenced by the ability of the outside landscape to provide adequate forage upon arrival at the hibernacula, as well as the specific microclimate inside.
Having forested areas around the hibernacula entrance and low amounts of open farmland may be important factors influencing the suitability of hibernacula.
During hibernation, Indiana bats occupy open areas of hibernacula ceilings and generally avoid crevices and other enclosed areas. They were associated with hibernacula that were long (µ=2,817 feet or 858 m), had high ceilings (µ=15 feet or 4.5 m), and had large entrances (µ=104.4 feet² or 9.7 m²). The preferred hibernacula often had multiple entrances promoting airflow. Hibernacula choice may be influenced by the ability of the outside landscape to provide adequate forage upon arrival at the hibernacula, as well as the specific microclimate inside. Having forested areas around the hibernacula entrance and low amounts of open farmland may be important factors influencing the suitability of hibernacula.
Indiana bat