USGS: US Wind Turbines Killed an Estimated 18.7 Million Bats

A USGS study of 277 wind facilities estimates 18.7 million bats died at US onshore wind farms from 1981 to 2024, with annual fatalities exceeding 1.5 million since 2021. Curtailment during peak bat-flight periods cuts deaths by 62–80%, but no broad US rule requires operators to use it.

• 18.7 million bats died at 277 US wind facilities from 1981 to 2024
• Annual fatalities have exceeded 1.5 million since 2021
• Curtailment during peak bat flight cuts deaths by 62–80%
• No federal mandate requires curtailment to protect bats