With Halloween just around the corner, The Northwest Wildlife Preservation (NWPS) is celebrating nature's nocturnal wonders. The bat is often misunderstood and even feared by many so the NWPS is trying to shift attitudes to help little brown bats thrive in British Columbia.
Why are bats important, you might ask?
"Without bats mosquitoes would give us a much harder time in summer. Since little brown bats are insectivores, meaning they feed solely on insects, this species is very important in helping to control insect population. A single bat can eat up to 600 insects an hour!" (NWPS e-Blast)
How can you help?
"Bats are among the most maligned and misunderstood of all animals. Disturbance of hibernating colonies and loss of suitable sites is one of the biggest threats to little brown bats and other bat species. They are also threatened by a disease known as white nose syndrome. The syndrome affects bats by disrupting their hibernation cycle, so that they use up body fat supplies before the spring when they can once again find food sources.
It is important to support healthy bat populations by not disturbing hibernation sites. In addition, when gardening or caring for your lawn, don't use harmful pesticides because they can get into the bat's system through their insect diet. Building and installing a bat box can also help bats find a suitable resting spot during the summer months." (NWPS e-Blast)
Help NWPS Help Bats
"Help us to continue protecting wildlife like the little brown bat and other species here in British Columbia. Make a donation to our society or order your symbolic adoption kit of the little brown bat today at here. Each adoption kit includes a plush animal toy, adoption certificate, animal information booklet, 3 animal greeting cards, and $25 tax receipt." (NWPS e-Blast) It's the perfect gift for a young, budding conservationist!