Tucson, Arizona

As Halloween approaches, many people are taking time to learn about one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures: the bat. A lot of people do not understand the useful role bats play in their yards by helping control insect populations. Most of the myths about bats have created such fear that the topic of bat conservation is rarely discussed.

Natural bat habitats are diminishing across North America, making their survival more difficult. Many people are providing bat boxes in their yards, giving bats a place to roost and raise their young. You may have even noticed your hummingbird feeders being emptied overnight. It could be a few of these amazing creatures!

Bats not only provide insect control for your yard, they also can be interesting and entertaining to observe. Nursery colonies are especially interesting as you periodically observe the young roosting once the mothers leave at dusk.

The Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) has developed bat box specifications based on years of scientific research. The OBC, in conjunction with Wild Birds Unlimited, has developed a bat box that meets these specifications and provides the features that successfully attract bats. In addition, a percentage of the sales from each OBC bat box goes to OBC for bat research, rescue and public education.

These are truly amazing creatures. The more people know about bats, the less they have to be afraid of them. If you have questions about bats, bat conservation and/or attracting bats to your yard, stop in our Oracle Road store for advice.