CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Bats are synonymous with Halloween, but the creepy creature also contributes essential benefits to ecosystems worldwide. That’s why a diverse group including conservation organizations and government departments across North America created Bat Week, an annual celebration that runs from October 24-31. Its goals are to raise awareness of bats’ benefits, as well as the crucial need for bat conservation.
Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight, which enables them to pollinate plants as they dart through the air, typically between dusk and dawn. The winged nighttime travelers play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, with some species able to consume up to half their body weight in insects each night. This benefits agriculture by reducing the need for pesticides, which can contaminate soil, water, and air, along with other environmental hazards. Bats are also exceptional seed dispersers, helping to regenerate forests, deserts, and other habitats, and support the growth of plants that are crucial for various wildlife species.
Despite their importance, bats face numerous threats, including climate change, habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and illegal hunting. More than 200 bat species are currently at risk of extinction. Bats are particularly vulnerable due to their slow reproduction rates; many North American species produce only one pup per year. White-nose Syndrome, a disease caused by a non-native fungus, has been devastating bat populations in North America, pushing several species closer to extinction.
The fear of bats is strongly linked to vampire folklore and characters such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Their sharp teeth, leathery wings, unpredictable flight, and eerie shrieks have also made them a symbol of darkness, witchcraft, and evil.
People who like bats or are ready to put their fears aside and protect them from extinction can attract them to their backyards by providing food, water, and shelter, even in small spaces. In return, they will help control unwanted yard and garden pests. Building bat boxes is another way to ensure that bats have a designated safe space to rest.
Several Virginia state parks will host educational events, which are found here.
