The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, the bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 27— A Bit About Bats —shines a light on the work of DEC’s Bat Diversity Program to study and protect New York’s native bat populations. 

Bats are the world’s only flying mammal and New York State is home to nine different species. In this episode, hosts Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by DEC Wildlife Biologists Casey Kennedy and Ashley Meyer with the Division of Fish and Wildlife to explain how the program tracks population changes and distribution of bats throughout the state, misconceptions about rabies, the devastating impact of White Nose Syndrome that causes mass mortality in four of New York’s hibernating bat species, and how these ‘angry kittens’ of the wild can be identified by their toe hairs. 

Casey and Ashley also discuss the origins of their interest in studying bats, how New Yorkers can help support and restore bat populations, and the many benefits bats provide—including pest control, roles in bio-medical research due to their resilience to diseases, and the pollination of agave plants used to make tequila. 

All episodes of “DEC Does What?!” are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.