Get Up Close With Utah’s Diverse Bat Species At Special Events

Utah is home to 18 confirmed bat species, and an exciting opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures is coming up. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is hosting two events where the public can see bats up close and gain insight into their lives and roles in the ecosystem.

Bats, the only mammals capable of true flight, are widespread across Utah. They thrive in diverse environments, from urban areas to remote wilderness, as long as they have access to food, shelter, and water. In Utah, these bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, feeding almost exclusively on insects.

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Southern Utah boasts the highest diversity of bat species, prompting DWR biologists to conduct surveys across the state. During these surveys, they use special nets, often set up near water sources, to capture bats as they hunt for insects. The biologists carefully extract the bats, identify their species, collect health data, and then release them back into the wild.

The upcoming events will allow attendees to witness this process firsthand. The first event will take place at Alta Ski Area in northern Utah.

The second event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, from 7-10 p.m. at Mammoth Cave, located about 5 miles northeast of Duck Creek Village. Attendees will gather under the ponderosa pines around sunset to hear a presentation about bats. Nets will be positioned near the cave entrance, offering a good chance to see bats and interact with the biologists. To ensure the safety of both bats and attendees, participants will need to wear an N95 mask when within 6 feet of the bats.

For those interested in attending the Mammoth Cave event, bring a camp chair and a small flashlight or headlamp. Registration is required and can be done in advance through Eventbrite.

“Bats are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem,” said Scott Root, DWR Central Region Outreach Manager in a press release. “They are often misunderstood and sometimes feared. We’re excited to offer more information about these unique animals and provide a chance to see them up close.”