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.