The largest bat colony in central Vancouver Island has reached a new population milestone, with approximately 2,085 bats counted during the most recent survey at the North Oyster Community Centre. This represents an increase of about 330 little brown myotis since the first count of the season. The event, held on June 7, attracted the highest number of volunteers in the history of the count.

The steady growth of the bat colony is a positive sign, especially considering the decline of bat populations in other parts of Canada due to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal infection. Fortunately, this disease has not yet been detected on Vancouver Island, and the thriving mid-Island colony is a testament to the health of the local bat population.

Ali Loewen from the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust emphasized the importance of bats in controlling insect populations and maintaining biodiversity. With many bat species facing threats, the success of the mid-Island colony is a significant achievement.

As the sun set on the evening of the count, volunteers witnessed a spectacular sight as bats emerged from the attic spaces and bat boxes in large numbers. The electronic counters clicked steadily as the bats took flight, eager to hunt for mosquitoes.

John Bunning, a seasoned volunteer with the North Oyster and Area Historical Society, expressed amazement at the size of the bat colony, noting that he had never seen so many bats before. Since efforts were made to save the bats in 2022, the population has more than doubled, reaching over 2,000 individuals.

The historical society has refurbished the attic to facilitate easy cleaning and has found a sustainable way to utilize the guano produced by the bats as fertilizer, with proceeds reinvested into the community centre.

Volunteers of all experience levels, including new faces like Vancouver Island University student Kobe Bosch, came out to witness the bat colony in action. The event attracted over 20 volunteers, with some even running out of clickers due to the high turnout.

The next bat count is scheduled for June 20, and anyone interested in volunteering or purchasing guano can contact Kathy Doyle at [email protected]. While the public is welcome to attend the counts, the centre advises against visiting on other nights to minimize disturbances to the bats.