INDIANA – As the seasons change, bat pups that were born this summer are taking to the skies and learning how to survive on their own.
Just like human teenagers, young bats are learning where the best food can be foraged and where to safely “hang” out.
Sometimes, bats choose to roost in homes, which may lead to negative human-wildlife interactions, but these interactions can also become learning opportunities.
Our mammalogists have been answering the seasonal increase of bat-related calls and emails they get, to help the public learn more about bats. Additionally, summer bat monitoring projects are wrapping up and heading into their next phase – data management. The amount of information collected each year is astounding, and it takes months to sort through, analyze, and produce an easy-to-understand product. DNR posts these results on our webpage and uploads them for other bat scientists to use on the North American Bat Monitoring Program’s webpage. Along with sharing our research, we’re speaking with various groups about how to coexist with bats. If you didn’t catch the Become A Bat Master webinar last month, check it out here.
While some bats may be beginning to hibernate at this time of year, others may be migrating. Either way, you’re likely to notice bats more than usual. The best way to help them thrive is to become a bat advocate – educate your family and friends on these unique mammals, dispel negative myths, support a bat rehabilitator, or just give them a safe place to stay.
Information: Department of Natural Resources.
