“Bats of the Night” at Audubon: Saturday, October 29th, 2011

JAMESTOWN, NY — Bats are fascinating creatures, but many people are afraid of them and don’t appreciate how helpful they are.

On Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Audubon Center and Sanctuary will have an open house on “Bats of the Night,” when visitors can learn why we need them and how they are being seriously threatened.

Often portrayed as frightening creatures of darkness, these small winged animals can eat insects weighing up to two-thirds of their body weight in one night. By helping to keep insects under control, they reduce the quantities of insecticides used on crops.

In the last three years a mysterious disease has killed more than 90 per cent of wintering bats in some caves and mines from Vermont to Virginia. Because they are the slowest reproducing mammals on earth for their size, most giving birth to only a single pup each year, bats are very vulnerable to extinction.

Come for a fun filled event where you can build a bat house, learn about all the good things that bats do, make bat crafts and have a batty good time.

Cost is $5 for members and children 2-12; $7 for non-members; children under 2 free.

If you would like to build a bat house, call (716) 596-2345 to reserve a kit for $15.

The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.

For more information on this and all of Audubon’s programs and opportunities, call (716) 569-2345 or visit jamestownaudubon.org.

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