Colorado Parks and Wildlife participates in Bat Week from Oct. 25 to 31, just in time for Halloween. Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature organized by a team of representatives across the United States and Canada from conservation organizations and government agencies. The focus this year is on raising awareness of invasive plants that contribute to the decline of bat habitat.
“Bats aren’t really out doing batty things on Halloween in Colorado because they have already migrated south or moved to a winter hibernation site,” said Tina Jackson, CPW’s species conservation coordinator. “But Halloween is a good time to talk about all the benefits they bring to our state, such as protecting humans and crops from insect pests, and why we should preserve their habitat as much as possible.”
There are 18 species of bats in Colorado, including 13 hibernating species that might already be tucked away for winter. During warmer seasons, hundreds of thousands of free-tailed bats congregate in the San Luis Valley at the Orient Mine. Other species can be found in smaller numbers in old buildings, trees, caves and abandoned mines around the state. Bats also like to hang out near streams and lakes across the state as this is often the best place to find insects for dinner.
Bats are facing a number of threats in North America, the most worrisome White-nose Syndrome. This disease is responsible for the loss of millions of bats in the eastern half of the continent, and recently moved west into Washington. Bats also face threats from wind energy development and habitat loss, which is why this year Bat Week is focused on restoring bat habitat by removing invasive plants, an activity that will benefit many different wildlife species.
CPW is conducting a multi-year survey in order to compile baseline data on bats that live or migrate through Colorado. Every summer, CPW biologists go to sites around the state to survey bats using acoustic detectors as part of a nationwide “occupancy program” (a little like a census for bats). In North Park, CPW is working with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to monitor maternity colonies using technology similar to the chips used in pets. This summer, biologists surveyed Castlewood Canyon State Park, where CPW is also building bat houses so that the bats don’t share buildings with the staff. Bats are known for carrying rabies and should never be handled by people without the proper equipment.
There are multiple “bat-ucational” events scheduled this month at Colorado state parks. Check the calendar here. For more information on Bat Week, click here.
Spotted a bat colony in Colorado? Call CPW’s Bat line 303-291-7771 or .
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