Feds declare bat species ‘threatened’ despite GOP objections

Federal officials have declared the northern long-eared bat a threatened species, defying objections from congressional Republicans. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing under the Endangered Species Act means the bat is under threat of becoming endangered. When the listing goes into effect in May, certain activities that could harm or kill bats in the areas where they hibernate will be prohibited, including some logging practices. The bat is typically 3 to 4 inches long and lives in forested areas throughout much of the eastern and central parts of the country. The GOP has pushed back against efforts to protect the species, citing potential impacts on businesses and landowners. “This decision flouts transparency and will fail to mitigate the real menace to this species, which is a disease called white nose syndrome — not human activities,” Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement...more