National Bat Week

 by Regina Flora

SWP’s Education Outreach Committee celebrated National Bat Week by exhibiting on bats at the Bonez and Booz festival hosted by VMNH on October 28th. Nine chapter members presented bat facts, discussed differences between bats and birds, and exhibited bat specimens and a bat house. A local bat enthusiast, Amanda Rhyne, provided answers to questions and a display board of information. 

Photo by Regina Flora: Valinda, Whitney and Kamera with Batman

Children in their fun festival costumes participated by drawing bats with walnut husk stain. A bat cutout was distributed for continued learning at home. About 500 children and parents received information at the table. 

We have 17 species of bats in Virginia. All of our bats feed on thousands of insects each night. Some are tree bats and overwinter in tree cavities, wood piles, leaves and loose rocks. Other types form large colonies for hibernation inside caves and old mines. 

Although not blind, bats rely on echolocation since they are nocturnal. They emit  sound waves which bounce off objects and return as an echo. This echolocation allows them to navigate, find prey, and communicate. 

To encourage bat populations in your backyard, grow native plants, provide a water source, avoid pesticides, and allow leaves and old snags to stay in place for shelter. You can also provide shelter by placing a bat house. 

Photo by Regina Flora: Kamara at our display table