You can see up to five different bat species at this free event
Green River – You can get close to bats at a free “Meet the Bats Night.”
The event will be held the evening of Aug. 2 at the Nash Wash Wildlife Management Area east of Green River.
During the event, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources will catch bats using a fine mesh net strung across a pond. Brent Stettler, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR, says the bats get so focused on catching insects that they sometimes lose track of the net and get caught.
After biologists catch the bats, they’ll identify the animals, measure them and then release them unharmed. “You’ll be able to see, learn about and photograph the bats before the biologists release them,” Stettler says.
As the night progresses, a larger variety of bats will be caught in the net. “So, for the best experience,” Stettler says, “plan on staying past midnight. You’re also welcome to camp onsite and leave the next day.”
Stettler says you must preregister to participate. The number of participants is limited to 25. He says “Meet the Bats Night” is not a good event to bring pets or young children to.
The viewing site is accessible by car, and an indoor bathroom is available.
To register or for more information, call Stettler at 435-613-3707.
After registering, plan on meeting just off the Cisco exit (exit 204) on Interstate 70 at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.
