Counters keep tabs on fatal syndrome with annual Vancouver bat tally

As dusk fallsone evening in June, Danielle Dagenais has her eyes trained on a crack in a wall.

Black droppings the size of sesame seeds on the ground below are a signbats havemade a home in the siding of theStanley Park Rowing Club.

When the sun goes down, the bats hanging in the walls wake up to go find food and Dagenais doesn't want to miss it when they fly out.

"There is so much we don't know about them," she said."We are learning things every day."

Dagenaisworks with theB.C. Community Bat Programand it's a busy time of year. In June, dozens of volunteers are recruited to help with a bat count across the province.

The organization wants to know how many bats emerge from their roosts each yearbecause amysterious fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has decimated bat populations in Canada.

Syndrome fatalfor bats

That's concerning, because although many people might never see or notice them, bats are a vital part of the ecosystem.

"They control ourinsect populations," Dagenais said.

"They're one of the main animals out there at night time controlling the insectpopulations. And many of these insect populations are ones that attack our crops."

At the rowingclub, many members might not even realize a group of bats has been living in cracks in the walls for 15 years, Dagenais said.

Batsreturn to the same roosting spot every year, where females give birth to one pup.If a populationdrops in one location, it can be assumed white-nose syndrome has affectedthem.

'Quite a spectacle'

At the rowing club, thegroup counted 42 bats last year. Dagenais said she expects that number to be higher this year, once the pups are born later this month.

With over 70 roosts estimated to be in Vancouver alone, theB.C. Community Bat Program is always looking for more volunteers to help count.

The first count runs now until June 21, with a second count happeningJuly 11 and August 5..

Humans and bats can live peacefully together, Dagenais said, and the little animalswill make a home almost anywhere they can hide and hang.

Curious ifyou might have bats roosting in your own home?

Dagenais suggests walking around your property at dusk and listening closely they make little noises when they wake up.

"It's kind of like a squeaky chatter, a cross between a bird and a squirrel," she said.

It might take some patience, but they'll eventually come fluttering out.

"It's quite a spectacle in the sky to witness."