The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to celebrate International Bat Week, October 24th through the 31st, by learning more about these vital creatures and how to protect them.
Bats play an important role in the environment by controlling insects and saving farmers billions of dollars in pest control. But several Wisconsin species, including the little brown bat and the federally endangered northern long-eared bat, have faced steep declines from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease.
There’s some good news: surveys show little brown bat numbers are starting to rebound at key roosting sites across the state, many of them former mines. Still, experts warn that other species remain at risk and continued conservation is critical.
Throughout October, more than 40 bat education events will be held statewide, from nature walks to library talks. To find one near you, visit BatWeek.org and search “Wisconsin.”
The DNR also encourages residents to help bats by putting up bat houses, planting native species, avoiding yard chemicals, and volunteering with the Wisconsin Bat Program.
For more information, visit the DNR’s website.
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