Bat Observation During a Solar Eclipse in Georgia

Abstract

Eclipses are astronomical phenomena that occur infrequently enough, either spatially or temporally, that for most animals, experiencing an eclipse may only happen once in a lifetime. Thus, an eclipse can provide a unique combination of meteorological and environmental conditions, through which animal behavior can be evaluated. In this study we observed and documented bat behavior (order Chiroptera) in northwest Georgia during a partial solar eclipse in 2024. Using passive acoustic monitors at locations recognized as high quality bat habitat, we detected a single hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) 5 minutes before the solar eclipse peak. The bat was first detected via acoustic monitor and then observed by researchers. Although we only recorded activity in one individual, this observation demonstrates that eclipses may elicit unusual behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of bat activity during a solar eclipse with corroborating acoustic evidence. More research is warranted to fully understand this behavioral phenomenon