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Photo Credit: Merlin Tuttle

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: The small-footed myotis may be distinguished from other small brown bats by its diminutive size (3 ½ inches, including a 1 ½-inch tail), black face, small feet (less than 1/3-inch), and short forearms (less than 1 ½ inches). Its wing and tail membranes are blackish brown. This bat, however, is so similar in appearance to our most common bat, the little brown bat, and several other species that field identification is difficult. Positive identification is best determined only by examining skull characteristics.

BIOLOGY-NATURAL HISTORY: The small-footed myotis is noted for hibernating closer to cave openings than other bats, and for hibernating alone, not clustered like the more common little brown bat. Because this bat occurs in such small numbers, the likelihood of encountering any outside of hibernating areas is extremely remote. Therefore, little is known of this animal’s habitats when not in hibernation.

PREFERRED HABITAT: Small-footed bats apparently prefer caves and abandoned mine shafts located in the Allegheny mountains, with a possible preference for those located in hemlock-covered foothills and near water.

REASONS FOR BEING THREATENED: The small-footed myotis has always been considered rare in Pennsylvania, but it is classified as threatened because of an apparent population decline between the 1930s and the late 1970s. Between 1930 and 1944 a mammalogist, Charles E. Mohr, made repeated surveys of hibernating bats in more than 100 caves in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He found only 363 small-footed myotis, all in only seven of the surveyed caves, and all of these in central Pennsylvania. In 1978 and 1979 these seven caves were surveyed again, and no small-footed myotis were found. Subsequent to 1979, more than 200 abandoned mines and caves were surveyed for hibernating bats. Small-footed bats were found at 32 sites. At 25 of these sites, this species was represented by fewer than five individuals.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS: Some caves and mines where this species hibernates have been gated to eliminate human access, as disturbance during this period causes the animals to needlessly expend energy reserves needed to sustain them through the winter. Regular surveys are being conducted to monitor the status of the small-footed bat, and summertime mist-netting at likely caves and overrock-crevices may uncover more about where this species goes at that time.

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