Bats: Our Friends!

Approaching our driveway during dusk last week, we saw a bat flitting around the front of our house - zooming back and forth. We assumed the bat was using his or her internal sonar to find food. When I got out of the car, the bat would come within inches of me, while making the rounds. I've seen bats before, mostly hanging from sides of buildings. But this is the first time I've seen one this closely.

Some people may see bats as pests, but we love them. As a matter of fact, I am thinking of placing a bat house in the backyard. I've read that it can take a year to attract bats to your backyard, but after seeing last week's bat, I'm hopeful there are more in the area.

Real Bats are in Trouble

With Halloween just weeks away, images of bats are starting to proliferate. In reality, bat populations are in trouble, namely those located in northeastern states. A deadly virus called white nose syndrome is responsible for the death of an estimated one million bats.

You can learn more about this crisis, about bats, and about the work of an important organization called Bat Conservation International. You can even adopt a bat for just $15 and receive some goodies in return.