Ever wondered why bats are the only mammals that can truly fly? Unlike flying squirrels that only glide, bats evolved wings made from stretched skin over elongated finger bones, giving them remarkable control in the air. Their flexible wings allow them to make sharp turns, hover, and even fly backward, something birds struggle with. Flight gave bats access to nighttime hunting, where fewer predators competed for food. Combined with echolocation, bats became masters of the dark sky. So when you s

🦇Bat Appreciation Week continues! 🦇 Hell Hole Cave is the largest known hibernaculum for the Virginia Big-eared Bat, a federally endangered species that calls our region home. 💚 Every two years, scientists carefully enter the cave to count and monitor these bats—using clickers and photography to minimize disturbance. Alongside the Big-eared bats, several other rare species like the Indiana Bat, Little Brown Bat, and Tri-colored Bat also find refuge here. With the help of the Virginia Departme

No tricks here! Bats are vital to healthy ecosystems. 🦇🌙 Often misunderstood as spooky creatures of the night, bats are actually fang-tastic allies. Each one devours thousands of insects every night, keeping nature in balance. At Forillon National Park, seven bat species call the park home, most of them listed as species at risk. And they’re not alone - from coast to coast, bat populations are facing steep declines due to habitat loss and white-nose syndrome. Across the country and beyond, Par