A historic iron mine near the town of Roxbury in western Connecticut does not yield rocks or minerals these days. Like so many other abandoned deep mines, this site has become increasingly more significant as a haven for hibernating bats over the winter. Consisting of three upper level vertical shafts and two lower level horizontal entrances, the physical layout of the site is ideal to achieve constant, predictable cold temperatures which these animals depend upon for survival. Though still fairly sturdy, the red cages are showing their age as they are easily defeated.
Recent research proves that there are better designs for bat friendly gates over vertical entrances.
During August 1999 a week long project was undertaken to install a new cage gate over the main pit entrance to the mine. Simultaneously one of the horizontal entrances gates was modified and upgraded. All materials were cut to fit on site, which was 1,200' from a paved road. Bat Conservation and Management supplied some of the expertise in designing and constructing these gates which are built to modern ACCA standards. Two smaller remaining pit entrances are scheduled to be completely redone in mid September 1999.