DARLINGTON — October is National Bat Appreciation Month. The flying mammals that a lot of people are said to fear, actually have an entire month dedicated to them. Of course, with Halloween just around the corner, and the fear of such creatures giving some people the chills, it comes as no surprise that the month of October is the month dedicated to the uniqueness of these little flying mammals.
In celebration of bats, conservationists of all ages will enjoy the ‘Wisconsin Bats’ talk with Mark Sturnick, being held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. This will be the final bat discussion held this year at Yellowstone Lake State Park, which continues to be an ongoing conservation program provided by the Wisconsin DNR.
Sturnick will start the discussion at the Amphitheater, located within the park. Guests to the program are reminded to dress for the weather as this is an outdoor event. A season pass or day sticker is required for visitors who wish to attend the program.
Sturnick is a local biologist, naturalist and environmentalist with the DNR. He will share his enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding of bats, and their behavior. Sturnick will focus his talk on two of the eight most common bat species found in Wisconsin: the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), and the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus).
In a recent press release, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently stated “Of the eight bat species found in Wisconsin, four are state-threatened species — the big brown bat, little brown bat, northern long-eared bat (also federally endangered) and tricolored bat. Another, the silver-haired bat, is of special concern, meaning the population is declining and in need of conservation action.”
Other species, including the Hoary bat, Eastern red bat, and the less commonly-known Evening bat, complete the eight species of bats found in Wisconsin. All of the species of bats in the state are insectivorous, meaning they primarily eat bugs. They all use echolocation to navigate and capture their prey.
As with all of Sturnick’s talks, ‘Wisconsin Bats’ is one of the most popular. This family friendly discussion is open to people of all ages. There will not be any live animals at this presentation, although Sturnick provides visual aides at all of his talks. He also shares crafts and various activities that will help younger guests to his programs get a better understanding of bats and their behavior.
Bats aid the environment by keeping the population of mosquitos and other insects to a comfortable level. Visitors to the area have remarked how the Yellowstone Lake State Park should have ‘more bugs’ because it is the perfect habitat to support a variety of species. Instead, the lack of the overpopulation of insects allows campers and visitors a place to relax without the discomfort of mosquitoes and other insects. In addition to insect control, bats are one of the best pollinators in nature. Many farmers and food growers understand the need for bats in the area.
Sturnick will talk about the growing population of bats in the Lafayette County area, as well as share information about the life of bats; from hibernation, migration of bats, pup rearing, nocturnal living, echolocation, life span, size and weight, rabies, and white nose syndrome.
Sturnick has been studying the different Wisconsin bat species for several years. He is a Science teacher with the Barneveld School District. His passion for bat conservation has earned him respect with families and guests to his programs. He brings years of experience to each of his discussions. Sturnick has participated in bat counts around the state, including those held at Yellowstone Lake State Park.
The bat houses have been an ongoing conservation program at Yellowstone Lake State Park for the past 35 years. They were created by park volunteer Kent Borcherding. The bat houses provide shelter for the females and the pups during the summer months. The bat program on Saturday may be the last opportunity for visitors to watch the bats emerge from the bat houses. Now, as temperatures continue to cool, both sexes will prepare to roost together in caves during hibernation.
