This article uses information provided by a media release from Mammoth Cave:
Mammoth Cave National Park is set to host its annual Bat Night on Saturday, August 31, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to explore the world of bats and their significance to the park’s ecosystem. This year’s event brings together bat researchers and biologists who will lead discussions and demonstrations throughout the day, helping attendees understand bat biology, monitoring methods, and conservation efforts.
The festivities kick off at 1:00 p.m. at the park’s visitor center, where participants of all ages can engage in activities like the “Being a Bat Biologist Junior Ranger” program. This hands-on experience will be led by Dr. Tim Carter, a bat biologist and professor at Ball State University, alongside his students. Younger visitors can also enjoy face painting by artist Emili Ryan. The activities at the visitor center will wrap up by 3:00 p.m.
At 2:00 p.m., the event shifts to the outdoor amphitheater, where a series of presentations by bat experts will delve deeper into the mysterious lives of these nocturnal creatures. Topics include “Bats of Central America” by Senior Biologist Price Sewell, “Bat Speak – Identifying Bats by How They Communicate” by Joe Szewczak, a professor of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt, and “Chasing the Night Flyers – Bat Stories from the Field” by biologist Keith Christenson.
Dr. Carter will also return to share insights into the “Bats of Mammoth Cave National Park and How We Study Them.”
As dusk approaches, the highlight of Bat Night will take place on the River Styx Trail, near the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave. From 7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can witness live bat data collection as researchers demonstrate the use of night vision goggles, infrared thermal cameras, acoustic monitors, and mist nets to track and study bats as they emerge from the cave for their nightly flights.
“Bat Night is a great experience for visitors of all ages to get out and learn how important bats are to Mammoth Cave and our ecosystem,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “It is not often that we have an opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close with bat experts and biologists on hand to share their knowledge.”
Bats play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems like Mammoth Cave National Park, acting as natural pest controllers and pollinators. These nocturnal creatures are essential for keeping insect populations in check, consuming vast amounts of mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and other pests that can damage crops and spread disease. Their presence helps to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable environment.
In addition to pest control, some species of bats are vital pollinators and seed dispersers, aiding in the regeneration of forests and supporting biodiversity. Even in areas like Mammoth Cave, where bats primarily focus on insect consumption, their ecological role is irreplaceable.
However, bat populations face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat colonies across North America. Events like Bat Night at Mammoth Cave not only offer a chance for visitors to learn about these fascinating animals but also raise awareness about the conservation efforts needed to protect them.
“Bats are a keystone species, meaning their impact on the environment is disproportionate to their size,” said Dr. Carter. “Without bats, the balance of many ecosystems would be disrupted, leading to cascading effects on the health of both natural areas and human communities.”
Through hands-on demonstrations and expert-led presentations, Bat Night helps the public appreciate the vital role that bats play in maintaining the overall health of Mammoth Cave and other natural areas. As researchers continue to study these animals and their contributions, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to ensure that bats continue to thrive and protect the environment.
All Bat Night events are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. However, participants are encouraged to bring a small flashlight to help navigate the pathways near the cave entrance after dark. In the event of severe weather, activities may be canceled.
This special event is made possible with support from Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with the National Park Service to fund programs that protect and enhance the park’s natural and cultural resources.
For a full schedule of events and more details about Bat Night, visit the Mammoth Cave National Park website or contact the park at 270-758-2180.
