Adventure for Wilderness – Bats in the Weaselhead, August 21, 2024
September 18, 2024
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Text and photos by Christin Spatz and Lindsey Wallis
When thinking about bats, we often think of creepy, blood-sucking beasts that are a part of most horror movies. Yet very few of them feed on blood. The nine bat species found in Alberta feed exclusively on insects, as Susan Holroyd from Alberta Community Bat Program explained in the beginning of the evening.
Active during the night, they use sound waves at high frequencies for hunting that are inaudible to us. Nevertheless, we were able to see and “hear” them near the water. With the help of a “bat detector” we were able to record the sound waves of different bat species. But how does that work?
If the device detects the sound of a bat, green lines become visible. Depending on the shape and frequency, the program can determine the species. In addition to the typical little brown myotis, also hoary bats on their way to wintering habitats, were recorded from the participants.
Experiencing something like this nearby the city aroused the enthusiasm not only of the many children but also of the adults that joined the event.
Unfortunately, the slow reproduction rate and a disease called white-nose syndrome are leading to a decline in populations. To gain awareness for the plight of bats, events like this, programs like Alberta Community Bat Program, and organizations like AWA are really important.
A bat monitor in action
