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Title:	Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines: Investigating the Causes and Consequences
Source:	USGS Fort Collins Science Center
URL or Email:	http://www.fort.usgs.gov/batswindmills/
Author(s):	Cryan, Paulcryanp@usgs.gov
Resource Type:	Website
Status:	Final
Access Restrictions:	Public
Data Center Contact:	Cryan, Paul - cryanp@usgs.gov Phone: 970.226.9389
Download Data Sets:	Seasonal distribution of hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) Seasonal distribution of silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) Seasonal distribution of red bats (Lasiurus borealis and L. blossevillii)
Abstract:	The wind power industry has been growing rapidly as part of the push to develop sustainable energy sources, and wind turbines have caused bat fatalities at wind farms across North America. Untested hypotheses suggest that these bat fatalities are associated with mating and migratory patterns, with the majority of deaths occurring in migratory tree bats. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified three bat species most frequently killed by wind turbines: hoary, silver-haired, and red bats. Using various research tools, particularly stable hydrogen isotope analysis of bat hair, the USGS is continuing to investigate (1) the geographic origins of killed bats, and (2) the potential roles of mating and feeding behaviors in the susceptibility of tree bats to deadly encounters with wind turbines.
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