Since May 2024, SCCF has been installing bat houses across Sanibel. In that time, 13 houses have been installed on SCCF preserves and residents’ properties, with four of them coming from the Wood for Wings community building event.

The rocket-style bat house at the Bailey Homestead has three confirmed big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) residents.

“This is especially critical now as we have entered bat maternity season, which runs from April 16 to August 14. During this time, bat mothers will begin giving birth and rearing their flightless pups, so safe and secure roosting sites are very important,” said SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills.

With Hurricane Ian, many trees were knocked over and lost, reducing the roosting habitat for island bats.

“With the building and installing of bat houses, SCCF is providing an alternative to these lost trees,” said Mills.

Although bat houses can provide an alternative to lost natural roosts, anyone can help by leaving bat roosting habitats such as dead palm fronds and Spanish moss alone.

Learn about SCCF’s bat monitoring program >>>