Meet the bats

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 near Cisco on Interstate-70.

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, said 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 said.

As the night progresses, a larger variety of bats will be caught in the net.

“So, for the best experience plan on staying past midnight,” Stettler said. “You’re also welcome to camp onsite and leave the next day.”

Stettler said you must preregister to participate.

The number of participants is limited to 25. He said this 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, Friday, Aug. 2.

Author: Moab Sun News Staff Report

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