GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 1683

Short Title:     Official State Bat.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Haire.
Referred to:	Wildlife Resources.

April 19, 2007

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to adopt the rafinesque's big-eared bat as the official bat of the state of north carolina.

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) is an indigenous bat to the State of North Carolina and lives in the State year-round; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat is distinctive in its appearance due to its big ears; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat helps protect agricultural and silvicultural crops by eating moths and other insects, functioning as a natural pest control for crops and timber resources; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat resides in trees, caves, and mines near old-growth forests and waterways; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat resides in small colonies and family units and returns to the same location to raise their young; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat is listed as a priority on the State's Wildlife Action Plan; and

Whereas, the Rafinesque's big-eared bat deserves to be adopted as the official bat of the State of North Carolina because it is a mysterious and wonderful natural resource; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 145-27.  State bat.

The Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) is adopted as the official bat of the State of North Carolina."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.