Bats, bats, bats

Yay, the evenings are getting lighter and the weather warmer, allowing us to wander outside later and later. More time for the kids to play outdoors, to mosey on over to the park, explore the woods, run out in the fields! Of course the warmer weather brings out the critters.  There are dragonflies, bees, butterflies and of course the ubiquitous mosquito!

And then there are bats! Somewhere along the way bats seem to have garnered a bit of a nasty reputation, they became the go-to creature for Halloween and other creepy- themed events or films. However, in reality the little bat (or big bat depending on where you are living!) is a masterful night hunter that helps to control insect populations, and fruit bats are invaluable as seed dispersers, helping to preserve healthy forest ecosystems. Here’s the Bat Song to get you dancing!



Introducing kids to bats, and highlighting the many benefits they bring both to our urban and agricultural communities helps to dispel the “creepy” factor and usher in respect and curiosity. Visit Bracken Cave, summer home to the world’s largest bat colony. Unfortunately many North American bat species are succumbing to White-nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. Building or buying a bat house to put up in your yard will help attract bats into your neighborhood and allow you to observe them safely with your kids.
The Little Earth Charter Principal Number One is Life, another fun way to explore the multiple facets of life with your kids! Bats101 has some good lesson plans and ideas for bat projects. So, enjoy the summer evenings and see how many bats you can identify!