Virginia Big-Eared Bat

Virginia big-eared bat - photo by Jeff Hajenga / U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region (on Flickr - use permitted with attribution).

Official State Bat of Virginia

The endangered Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) was designated the official state bat of Virginia in 2005; this symbol helps to educate Virginians about caves and the creatures that inhabit them. Texas and Oklahoma also recognize bats as official state symbols. All State Mammals

Virginia big-eared bats are listed as state and federally endangered, mainly due to their small population and limited habitat and distribution.

Code of Virginia: § 7.1-40.7:1. Official Bat

Source

§ 1-510. Official emblems and designations: Code of Virginia

Virginia's State Bat - The Virginia Big-eared Bat: VA DCR

Virginia Adopts “State Bat” (pdf): DCR Natural Heritage Program

Virginia big-eared bat: VA Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

Bats of Virginia: Virginia Places.org

Reference

Virginia Big-Eared Bat K-3 Lesson Plan (pdf): VA General Assembly

Bats in Virginia | Official State Bat (PDF): Virginia.gov

Virginia Cave Board: VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation