St. Lawrence County residents can help protect New York's bat populations this fall by avoiding caves and mines where the animals gather to hibernate, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The reminder coincides with Bat Week, observed annually from Oct. 24-31 to raise awareness about bat conservation.

New York is home to nine bat species, all of which eat insects. Their diets help control mosquitoes, agricultural pests and invasive insects, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.

Six of the state's bat species hibernate in caves and mines during winter, while three tree bat species migrate to warmer areas, DEC officials said. 

Disturbing hibernating bats can threaten their survival by forcing them to wake up and burn stored fat reserves they need to survive until spring, when insects become available again, officials said.

The threat is particularly serious following the arrival of white-nose syndrome in 2006. The fungal disease has killed more than 90% of bats at hibernation sites in New York, according to the DEC.

Scientists have found signs of recovery among little brown bats, once common throughout the state. However, similar signs of stabilization have not been observed in other bat species severely affected by the disease.

DEC advises residents to follow posted restrictions on caves and mines. Anyone who discovers hibernating bats should leave quickly and quietly to avoid disturbing them. Entering designated bat hibernation sites between Oct. 1 and April 30, the typical hibernation period, may result in prosecution.

Residents can also help protect bats by limiting tree removal to recommended winter periods, planting pollinator gardens to support insect populations, installing bat boxes and keeping cats indoors.

Anyone who needs to remove bats from their home should contact a bat-certified nuisance wildlife control operator for assistance.