To keep destructive humans out of bat caves, especially during hibernation, many wildlife professionals install cave gates. Not all caves are recommended for gates, and year-round gates are not always necessary since bats hibernate from October to March.
As a whole, caves where endangered species of bats hibernate are recommended for gating in the winter. If bats are disturbed during hibernation, they run the risk of burning up crucial (already low) fat reserves. If bats dip below 50-70% of their fat reserves, their very survival is at risk. Cave gates may also help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, which could help protect bat populations as well.
Interested in teaching your students more about bats? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode: Ecology - Bats: Creatures of the Night.
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