Today we had Katrina from the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation in to teach us about local species of bats. We learned:
"White nosed fungus can wake up bats during hibernation because it makes their nose itchy"
"Predators like dogs and cats can attack bats so you should keep them inside or put them on a leash"
"Bats have long fingers and the skin that forms their wings goes from their fingers all the way to their ankles"
"Bats eat insects, especially mosquitos, grasshoppers and moths"
"Baby bats hang from the tree or cave wall waiting for the mother to feed them. They are too heavy"
"Chemicals like bug spray can make bats sick"
"We should build bat boxes so when they have babies they are protected"
"Humans are a bats biggest problem because they can carry the white nosed fungus on shoes"
"If you know bats are hibernating, don't go near them, because you might wake them up and then they will starve"
"Bats can eat 3000 mosquitos every night"
"One kind of bat can swim, but it doesn't live in Alberta"
"Bats in Alberta mostly eat insects"
"Bats can get into attics because of small holes. You should not touch the bat, you should call an expert to help you"
"If you go in a cave, you should clean your shoes in case of white nosed fungus"
"Bats have fingers, they are inside their wings"
"One type of bat eats scorpions, but they don't get poisoned"
"Bats only live to about 2 years old, even though they can live until 30"
Most of all, we learned that bats need our help. There are many problems facing bats, but the good news is that there are also many solutions. The students came up with:
Many students are interested in visiting the AIWC. Luckily, they are having a "Talk n' Tour" on November 5th. Here is the link for more information: http://www.aiwc.ca/news-and-events/upcoming-events/
Last, students are coming home with a magnet with the AIWC's contact information in case you ever find a wild animal in need.
Have a wonderful evening!
Ms. Thomas
