Environmental and animal rights groups want to stop further construction on a West Virginia wind farm, citing potential harm to the endangered Indiana bat.

The Animal Welfare Institute and Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy filed a motion for a preliminary injunction Friday in U.S. District Court in Maryland.

The groups last month sought to force developer Beech Ridge Energy LLC of Rockville, Maryland to obtain a federal permit to comply with the Endangered Species Act.

Attorney Bill Eubanks, who is representing the groups, says that after the lawsuit was filed, Beech Ridge quickly moved ahead with construction. Eubanks says that left the plaintiffs no choice but to file the latest motion.

An attorney for Beech Ridge's parent didn't immediately return a telephone message Friday.