ABSTRACT 



In July 1999, three groups of abandoned mine workings on BLM lands in the Philipsburg, 

 Granite County, Montana area were inspected for their potential use by bats. Site groups 

 included the Russian Gulch Mine (2 adits), Frost Creek group adjacent to Philipsburg (5 adits), 

 and the Cliff Creek group, also adjacent to Philipsburg (7 adits, 1 shaft). Where possible, 

 workings were inspected internally for bats and bat spoor, at sites suitable and with greatest 

 potential, mist nets were set across portals and monitored for two hours after sunset All but the 

 Russian Gulch Mine were shallow workings or inaccessible, and all workings exhibited low 

 activity or low potential for significant use by bats The Russian Gulch Mine could be made 

 more accessible to bats, and has the greatest potential for significant use, but another nearby 

 working (Silver King Mine) showed current bat activity (as of 1997) and is preferable for bat- 

 friendly reclamation if limited funds preclude management for bats at both mines. 



Five bat species that use caves and mines as primary hibernation habitat have been 

 recorded from Granite County, and have the potential to occur in abandoned mine workings in 

 the Philipsburg area These species include the Western Small-footed Myotis (Myotis 

 ciliolabrum). Western Long-eared Myotis (M evotis), Little Brown Myotis (M. lucifugus). Long- 

 legged Myotis (M volans), and Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhmus townsendii) All but 

 the Little Brown Myotis are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Concern species, and 

 Townsend's Big-eared Bat is also a BLM Special Status species in Montana 



