DWR to host Utah bat viewing events in August
Jul 30, 2024, 3:55 PM | Updated: 3:59 pm
An Allens Big Eared Bat is pictured in the hand of a biologist. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
SALT LAKE CITY — Two upcoming events will allow visitors to view Utah bat species. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting the events.
According to a press release from the DWR, the goal of the event is to educate people about Utah bats. The Beehive State is home to 18 species.
According to DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Scott Root, bats play an important part in Utah’s ecosystem. As they eat plants and insects, they help with pollination, seed dispersal, and population control of bugs.
“They are often misunderstood and sometimes feared when they don’t need to be. We are excited to provide more information about these unique animals and hopefully, the chance to see them up close at two upcoming events being held around the state,” said Root.
Opportunities to view Utah bats
Alta Ski Resort’s Wildcat Base will host the first event on August 16. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., participants will hear an outdoor presentation about Utah bats. Then, participants can watch biologists complete a netting survey.
During the survey, participants will have a chance to see bats up close.
According to the press release, biologists use netting surveys to gather information about the bats’ species and health.
During the survey, biologists place nets on the ground, often near water. As the bats swoop in to eat insects, biologists capture and survey them.
The bats are released after biologists finish examining them.
Mammoth Cave will host the second event on August 23, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cave is about five miles northeast of Duck Creek Village. Similar to the event at Alta, guests will hear an informative presentation before viewing the bats.
At both of the events, participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when they are within 6 feet of the bats. The DWR press release said it is to protect the health of the bats.
Wired reported that biologists began masking up to prevent the mammals from contracting COVID-19 in 2021.
Masks will be available at the event, or participants are welcome to bring their own, per the DWR. Additionally, the DWR advised guests to bring a camp chair and a small flashlight or headlamp.
The event is free, however, the DWR recommended registering in advance. Those interested in registering for the Alta event and Mammoth Cave event can do so through Eventbrite.
Related: DWR reminding drivers to watch for wildlife
