Harp trapping bats at hibernacula

Some bats hibernate in caves and mines.  Many don't, but many do, and these sites are super important to the bats.  So knowing if a site is important to the bats is key.  This time of year we use harp traps at the entrances to possible hibernation sites to get an idea of whether bats are using the sites or not.

​So, this is a photo of a harp trap at a coal mine entrance to see if bats are using it.  Not a pretty site, just a random photo of a bat trap at a hole where bats might be hibernating.  The photo is taken too low to show the hole on the other side of the trqp, but gives a good look at a trap.  Two layers of fishing line down the trap do the job of getting bats into the bag at the bottom.

Harp trap for catching bats at mine entrances

so this is a totally lame description and photo of harp trapping bats, but this works and figures out if bats are using mine entrances in the fall and as possible hibernation sites.  

​Not my best photo, but this site is completely covered for bats coming in or out and while it looks a bit odd, was a super well closed  mine entrance trap.