Seeing bats again this winter

[Steelbanger]

New years day I was driving to my daughters for dinner and almost hit a bat that flew past my windshield. Most unusual to see one flying during the winter and during early afternoon. Of course we are all aware of the White Nose Syndrome affecting little brown bats here in the northeast but I sure feel sad for these poor critters which just happen to be one of nature's most efficient mosquito-eating creatures.
The following day I saw another bat flying during the day and yesterday daughter number 2 found a dead bat in her back yard. We've only heard dire predictions about the brown bats ability to survive this disaster which apparently drives them out in search of food because their fat reserves which are necessary for hibernation have been burned up fighting the disease.
The state previously wanted reports of sick or dead bats found during the winter. These days they only want reports of groups of 25 or more bats from one location.

[scootrd]

It's quite a sad state of affairs for our little brown buddies.
Last winter I left my boots out on the porch ... found one in boot next morning.
This really is a grave situation.

[gendoc]

this evening, my son and i saw about 6-8 big bats zooming around while we were walking from our tree stands right at dark....52 degree and dropping.
i think they were attracted to our barrels because they were very close to us
and our guns were over our shoulders.
they did not seem to be unhealthy... they were big !!!!