Mammoth Cave National Park hosting annual Bat Night on Aug. 31

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – Mammoth Cave National Park is hosting its annual Bat Night on Saturday, Aug. 31.

According to a release by the park, the event gathers bat researchers and biologists to discuss bat biology, monitoring techniques and provide on-site demonstrations of how they capture, evaluate and record a bat’s health.

Events and activities start at 1 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. CDT.

“Bat Night is a great experience for visitors of all ages to get out and learn how important bats are to Mammoth Cave and our ecosystem,” said park superintendent Barclay Trimble. “It is not often that we have an opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close with bat experts and biologists on hand to share their knowledge.”

Bat Night kicks off at the visitor center, where visitors can complete a Being a Bat Biologist Junior Ranger activity with bat biologist and Ball State University professor Dr. Tim Carter and some of his students.

Artist Emili Ryan will also be available to provide face painting for younger visitors.

At 2 p.m., presentations by bat experts will begin at the outdoor amphitheater.

These will include “Bats of Central America” by Senior Biologist Price Sewell, “Bat Speak – Identifying Bats by How They Communicate” by Professor of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt and lead developer of the Sonobat Bat Call Analysis Software Joe Szewczak, “Chasing the Night Flyers – Bat Stories” from the Field by biologist Keith Christenson and “Bats of Mammoth Cave National Park and How We Study Them” by biologist Dr. Tim Carter.

Next, a live data collection will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on the River Styx Trail near the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave.

The park says bat researches and biologists will demonstrate different tools used to monitor bat movements and health, including night vision goggles, infrared thermal cameras, acoustic monitors and mist netting.

All of these events are free and do not require reservations. Participants are advised to bring a small flashlight to illuminate the pathways to and from the Mammoth Cave Historic Entrance. Activities will be cancelled in the case of severe weather.

Bat Night is made possible by support from Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park who work in cooperation with the National Park Service to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, and the visitor experience of Mammoth Cave National Park.