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!
In July of 2009, Mr. Harry McQuillen, Preserve Manager of the Cosumenes River Preserve in Galt, California, stayed at the campground and watched the bats. He was kind enough to send these pictures that he took. Many people enjoy watching the bats emerge each evening!
For more information about bats, check out "Bob's Bat Cave"!
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