Yuma Bats (Myotis yumanensis)
Bats are
such interesting animals! They are the only mammal capable
of sustained flight, and they live everywhere in the world
(except the extreme polar regions). Almost 25% of all
mammals are BATS! Generally speaking, during the summer,
there are as many bats flying around wherever you live, as
there are birds flying around during the day! Since most
people do not even know they live in their neighbourhoods,
I suggest that they make GREAT neighbours!
Unfortunately,
these quiet, shy and intelligent mammals have gained an
unearned reputation. They are NOT blind, they DO NOT get
caught in your hair, and they are NOT mice with wings!
Bats
are classified in the order Chiroptera, and occupy that
order by themselves. We put up a number of bat houses and
as you can see from the picture, we have a large number of
Yuma bats living in some of the houses. There are over 250
Yuma bats in this house!
While
mosquitoes are not a primary food item for bats, bats are
opportunistic, and they will eat mosquitoes if they come
across them. As far as I am concerned, if one bat eats one
mosquito - I'm a happy camper! Campers often notice that
there seem to be fewer mosquitoes at our campground than
other places. I think I know why!
Many
people come to the bat houses to watch them emerge in the
evenings. If you are interested, talk to one of us, and we
will show you where to stand to have the best view of the
bats emerging. We may even give you a bat talk! (see
testimonials).
If
you are negatively concerned about bats (you are probably
an older person - at least Bob's age) and have been
misinformed throughout your life. The kids learn the truths
about bats in school now, and they enjoy seeing nature at
its best! Most people never realize that the bats are at
the campground - so don't be afraid to ask!
For
more information about bats, check out
"Bob's Bat
Cave"!
