Mammoth Cave to host Bat Night on Aug. 26

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – Mammoth Cave National Park is hosting an opportunity for the community to learn more about local wildlife.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the park is offering Bat Night, where you can hear from researchers and biologists.

Park officials say these experts will talk about bat biology, monitoring techniques and provide on-site demonstrations of how they capture a bat and check its health.

The first bat Night activities will start at 1:30 p.m. with a demonstration from biologist Dr. Tim Cater and Ball State University students on procedures to identify bats. In addition, officials say Logan Carter will answer questions in the visitor center following the presentation and offer a book signing.

At 4:45 p.m., bat biologist Keith Christenson will present “Tropical Bats of the World,” which focuses on the different types of bats found closer to the equator. Then at 6 p.m.,  Mammoth Cave officials say Cater will highlight his work with bats and the bats of Mammoth Cave.

From 7 to 9 p.m., nighttime activities will take place on the River Styx Trail near the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave. You can expect experts to show various tools to monitor bat movements and health, as well as night vision, infrared thermal cameras and more.

All of the above events are free, according to park officials.

If you want to take part, visitors are encouraged to bring a small flashlight.

To learn more about Bat Night, visit the National Park Service’s website here.