This species is commonly found in the northern United States and Southern Canada east of British Columbia.

They also have a longer tail and larger wing area than most comparably sized Myotis bats, giving them increased maneuverability during slow flight.

[14] The northern long-eared bat is predominantly threatened by white-nose syndrome, especially in the northeast portion of its range where the population has decreased by 99%.

[2] Due to white-nose syndrome the northern long-eared bat was listed federally threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act.

[15] An oversight field hearing was held before the United States House Committee on Natural Resources in September 2014.

[16] A final decision was published in the Federal Register, listing the species as threatened effective 30 days from the date of the publication (starting May 4, 2015).

[19] If the House of Representatives acts and the President signs, the action will be rescinded and the species would no longer be considered endangered federally.

[20] The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail tunnels in West Central Wisconsin are closed for the season by the beginning of November, using the doors that the railroad added to prevent storm damage.