Creatures that Spook Us: Bats!

Join us at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center for our upcoming Creatures That Spook Us: Bats! Event on Sunday, October 25 at 1:00 PM. This free, family-friendly gathering will feature a live presentation by NorCal Bat Rescue (with live bats!) exploring the fascinating world of bats, separating spooky myths from scientific facts. Come discover why these nocturnal neighbors deserve our appreciation, and maybe leave with a new favorite Halloween hero!

California Myotis

Bats are a classic symbol of the spooky season, but did you know bats are year round pollinators, just like bees and butterflies? In fact, hundreds of plant species rely on bats to pollinate them, including fruits like bananas, avocados, and mangos. The bats then pass the seeds, helping to disperse new trees and grow the forest! That seems like super powers closer to Captain Planet than Dracula 🧛🏻

Plus, bats all over the world eat millions of insects every night, protecting people from diseases and reducing the amount of pesticide that farmers need to use to keep their crops bug-free. Not all heroes wear capes.

So wait, why are we afraid of them again? They are so cute and helpful! Well, of the more than 1,800 species of bats on the planet, there are three types of real Vampire bats that drink blood. But don’t worry! They tend to prey on livestock like cattle and horses, and attacks on humans are very rare. They can be found hunting at night in Mexico and other Central and South American countries.

Little Brown Myotis

Bats are amazing, but like all wild animals, they are best admired from a respectful distance. Never touch or approach a bat you find on the ground or in an unusual place. If you do have direct contact with a wild bat, seek medical advice promptly.

Want to be a bat hero in your own backyard? Preserve mature trees, plant native flowers that attract nighttime insects, avoid pesticides when possible, and consider installing a properly designed bat house.