Utilization of Transportation Structures by Bats in Wyoming: A comprehensive investigation

The purpose of this study is to collect bat use data on bridges to aid Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and agency partners in determining what bridge types are attractive to bats and to develop means of mitigation to minimize impacts to bridge maintenance and reconstruction timelines. Data collected during this study will be used to identify bridges and bridge types utilized by bats across Wyoming. This will provide highway engineers and wildlife managers with the information necessary to conduct bridge maintenance and reconstruction activities that minimize disturbance to bats as well as minimize the need to alter construction schedules. The study will also provide valuable information on the contribution bridge structure, provide to maternity roosts for bats and general use by bats of bridges. Finally, this study will enable researchers to work closely with WYDOT engineers to identify and test mitigation measures that can be used to minimize take (i.e., acoustic deterrents, netting, eviction devices).

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $34539
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Wyoming Department of Transportation

  5300 Bishop Blvd.
  Cheyenne, WY  United States  82009-3340
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Wyoming, Laramie

  1000 E University Avenue, Department 3295
  Laramie, WY  United States  82071
• Project Managers:

  Gamo, R. Scott

  Booher, Jeff

• Principal Investigators:

  Fehr Bernard, Riley

  O'Brien, Heather

• Start Date: 20220314
• Expected Completion Date: 20250314
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Wildlife
• Geographic Terms: Wyoming
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01855631
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Wyoming Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 24 2022 10:42AM