Bats are some of the most interesting creatures among us. In addition to natural struggles, they are victims of massive “charismatic megafauna bias.”
In other words, our tendency to support and care more about big, cuddly-looking animals with big eyes and soft fur than other valuable critters. Such as bats.
Ohio is home to at least ten different bat species. They’re not rodents. The’re not related to shrews either. Four of them are currently on an endangered or threatened list of one kind or another. But the real truth is we don’t know a lot about their habits and needs.
You can read the complete article in the Dayton Daily News digital edition: Bat Population on the Decline
Resources
Amazing Bats - National Trails Parks and Recreation Administration Building
Ages 6 & Older, Friday, July 11, 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Learn why bats are important and which ones live in Ohio during this fun program with Marne Titchenell from Ohio State University Extension. Learn how bats find their way in the dark, and then we’ll head outside to look for bats in the wild! Kids must come with a grown-up.
https://ntprd.org/amazing-bats/
The Mysteries & Science of Bats - Five Rivers Metro Parks
Ages 10-17, Saturday, July 26, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., $3.00 | Financial Assistance
Discover the unique behaviors, diverse species, and ecological roles of these incredible nocturnal mammals. Learn about bat echolocation, their diets, habitats, and the important ways they support ecosystems. Weather Dependent.
https://www.metroparks.org/programs-events-finder/?program_number=T134&api=programs&type=program
Bat Roost Monitoring - Five Rivers Metro Parks
Ages 3-13, Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 - 9:30 p.m.
https://www.metroparks.org/programs-events-finder/?program_number=T159&api=programs&type=program
Take part in an Ohio Division of Wildlife study to assess bat populations, and learn how you can help bats. Weather Dependent.
Build a Bat Box
Create a summer daytime roosting area for bats
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Nest%20Box%20Plans%20pub419.pdf
About Bats ODNR
https://ohiodnr.gov/search/?search_query=bats
Bats in Homes
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/issues-for-landowners/nuisance-bats
Bat Conservation
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/wildlife-management/Ohio%20Bat%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf