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class="type-of-block"><div class="block-inner"><section id="block-duckstampmegamenupromoblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content7c7a6c05-13b3-4593-91f0-ff4b168c4096 block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2020-10/duck_stamp_2019_rotated.png?itok=KO4L_Q9Y" width="210" height="210" alt="Duck Stamp 2019" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Duck Stamps</div> </a> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps.</div> 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block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY_0.jpg?itok=hYkXLM2H" width="210" height="210" alt="Mexican long tongued bat" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Interest story</div> </a> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Bats: “The Coolest Mammals on Earth”</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" 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data-id="e264ebee-9143-48e6-9436-9f5b04c386fc" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/activities" target=""> Outdoor Recreation </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="e3d5b653-f742-4e32-9163-be226a0de457" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/service/federal-recreational-lands-passes" target=""> Recreation Passes </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="1b107f5b-89b6-4eec-abef-f84543b06f89" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a 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width="210" height="210" alt="A bus with birders tours Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/activity/auto-tour"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Scenic Drives</div> </a> <a href="/activity/auto-tour"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges.</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="4c84d120-d285-40d7-b69e-757d6a740063" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/get-involved" target=""> Get Involved </a> <span 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field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2021-12/Drfit%20Creek%20Riparian%20Restoration%20March%202019%20%283%29.JPEG?itok=G2ojwBrx" width="210" height="210" alt="A volunteer at siletz bay plants trees" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/volunteer-opportunity"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Volunteer</div> </a> <a href="/volunteer-opportunity"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Search for volunteer opportunities around the country</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="d47ff4c2-948e-4921-ae69-e95214b7ae5c" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" 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class="we-mega-menu-row" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-row" data-custom-row="1"><div class="we-mega-menu-col span4" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="4" data-block="" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""><ul class="nav nav-tabs subul"><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="9077b821-d573-423d-90fc-2de52dc47f74" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiatives" target="_self"> Initiatives </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="412aeb4e-9e75-4e3f-8a76-0115ce962451" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/combating-wildlife-trafficking" target="_self"> Combating Wildlife Trafficking </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="a2aad12f-b5a9-4590-8a58-d1ab41fcfd3d" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/directors-priorities" target="_self"> Director's Priorities </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="fc575c71-15d0-40a7-90bc-6fd1b689945d" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/climate-change" target="_self"> Climate Change </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" 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data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/pollinators" target=""> Pollinators </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="97d88ac1-2240-49ed-b5eb-8205a8edad72" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/protecting-wildlife" target="_self"> Protecting Wildlife </a></li></ul></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span6" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="6" data-block="" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span2" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="2" data-block="initiativemegamenublock" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""><div class="type-of-block"><div class="block-inner"><section id="block-initiativemegamenublock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content24bb2b6e-0932-487d-8726-c8b10b7a21ea block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2021-06/polar-bears-arctic-nwr-steve-hillebrand-usfws.jpg?itok=XpANSqyN" width="210" height="210" alt="A distant view of two polar bears standing on a pebbled shoreline." class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Climate Action</div> </a> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="2fa121a9-cdee-49cf-9354-c057c8f2194d" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/" target=""> I want to </a> <span class="nav-drilldown"><i class="fa fa-angle-right" aria-hidden="true"></i><span class="visible-hidden">Forward</span></span><div class="we-mega-menu-submenu mb-submenu" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-submenu" data-submenu-width="" data-class="" style="width: px"><div class="mb-back"><a href="#" class="back-icon"><i class="fa fa-angle-left" aria-hidden="true"></i><span class="visible-hidden">Back</span></a><span class="parent-level"></span></div><div class="current-level"></div><div class="we-mega-menu-submenu-inner"><div class="we-mega-menu-row" 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class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xl/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?h=cacaf450&itok=eHQ_mKkc 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="2560" height="710"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_lg/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?h=cacaf450&itok=2-dv6ci0 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="365"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_md/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?h=cacaf450&itok=di_-Wy30 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="365"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_sm/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?h=cacaf450&itok=YMM7N35U 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="475"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xs/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?h=cacaf450&itok=iORDa8_p 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="700"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xl/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=eHQ_mKkc 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="2560" height="710"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_lg/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=2-dv6ci0 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="365"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_md/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=di_-Wy30 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="365"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_sm/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=YMM7N35U 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="475"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xs/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=iORDa8_p 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="700"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xs/public/banner_images/2022-02/1-GrayBats-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?h=cacaf450&itok=iORDa8_p" width="480" height="700" alt="About a dozen gray bats flying in a cave" class="img-responsive" /> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/gray-bats-sauta-cave-national-wildlife-refuge">Image Details</a></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div><div role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content"><div class="row m-0"><div class="col-sm-12"><div class="region region-header"></div></div> <section class="col-full-content"><div class="highlighted"><div class="region region-highlighted"><div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div></div></div><div class="region region-content"> <article class="story full clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-short-title clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-short-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Bats: “The Coolest Mammals on Earth”</div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-author clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Written By</h3><div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"> <article class="staff-profile author clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profilefield-staff-profile-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-staff-profile-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/staff-profile-image/IMG_9273.jpg?h=6981f79a&itok=vu_DJqcp" width="50" height="50" alt="Man in blue shirt and life vest with ball cap on backwards shooting video while riding in boat" class="img-responsive" /></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profiletitle clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/staff-profile/bill-obrian" hreflang="en">Bill O'Brian</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestorybody clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>We know.  Bats can seem scary sometimes. But they are very cool animals. And they are important to all of us.</p><div class="align-left embedded-media-image one_third_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/3-AnnFroschauerWithBigBbrownBat-USFWS.jpg?itok=tUH2_Ai-" width="480" height="424" alt="A woman wearing a protective miner's helmet with a light on it looking up at a bat hanging from a rock in a cave " loading="lazy" class="img-responsive"></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/usfws-employee-ann-froschauer-bat-cave">Image Details</a></div></div></div><p>So, we asked our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service colleague Ann Froschauer to answer a few questions about them.<br><br>Froschauer loves bats. She got interested in them in high school and has been studying them for many years. She has called them <a href="https://www.batcon.org/women-in-bat-conservation-ann-froschauer/">“the coolest mammals on Earth.”</a></p><p><em><strong>Our First Question:</strong> Weren’t you afraid of bats when you first started studying them?</em><br><br><strong>Froschauer's Answer:</strong> The first time I saw a bat up close I realized how tiny our North American bats are, and that they aren’t scary at all. Even though they look big with their wings stretched out, many of the bats that live here weigh only as much as a few coins, and have bodies about the size of your thumb. I think getting a chance to see a bat in real life helps a lot of people get over their fears.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?itok=TjhHmYx4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="816"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?itok=svf1BMBa 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="675"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?itok=DEhLwqC8 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="523"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg.webp?itok=jDsSZ1Jh 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="327"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?itok=TjhHmYx4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="816"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?itok=svf1BMBa 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="675"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?itok=DEhLwqC8 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="523"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?itok=jDsSZ1Jh 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="327"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/4-GrayBat-SautaCaveRefuge-AL-GeorgeLee.jpg?itok=jDsSZ1Jh" width="480" height="327" alt="One gray bat with its wings open wide flying in a cave" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/gray-bat-sauta-cave-national-wildlife-refuge">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>A gray bat spreads its wings at <a href="/node/848">Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge</a> in Alabama.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> What do you find cool about bats, Ann?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> One really cool thing about bats is that they are the only mammals that can fly. Bats' wings are really flexible and they can move them a lot of different ways, making them really good at flying. Bats have the same kinds of bones in their wings that humans have in their arms and hands.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=8I4wy1l7 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="798"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=1fQsTfg2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="660"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=cDaSPI8H 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="511"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=EWTD6N-o 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="319"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg?itok=8I4wy1l7 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="798"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg?itok=1fQsTfg2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="660"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg?itok=cDaSPI8H 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="511"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg?itok=EWTD6N-o 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="319"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/5-OzarkBig-EaredBatsMaternityColony-OzarkPlateauRefuge-OK-RichardStarkUSFWS.jpg?itok=EWTD6N-o" width="480" height="319" alt="A couple dozen small brown-colored bat hanging upside down in a cave" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/ozark-big-eared-bat-maternity-colony-ozark-plateau-national-wildlife-refuge">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>These Ozark big-eared bats are hanging out in a maternity colony at <a href="/node/526">Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge</a> in Oklahoma. Groups of female bats form maternity colonies to have their babies, which are called pups.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> What is a typical day like for a bat from early spring to late fall?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> From early spring to late fall, bats in North America are busy finding their summer roost, having and raising their pups, hunting for insects, finding a mate, and preparing for winter. Bats are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. During the day, bats spend most of their time sleeping in their roost, but once it starts getting dark, bats become active and fly off in search of a meal.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=EjUWsmOz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="896"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=YYGzZJsE 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="741"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=sscVGKNz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="574"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=aSmO1Mr1 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="359"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=EjUWsmOz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="896"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=YYGzZJsE 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="741"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=sscVGKNz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="574"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=aSmO1Mr1 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="359"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/6-BatsEmergingFromTheChiroptoriumInTexas-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=aSmO1Mr1" width="480" height="359" alt="Dozens of black-gray bats flying out from a cave entrance in a wooded area" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/mexican-free-tailed-bats-emerge-chiroptorium-texas">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>As dusk nears, Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at the Chiroptorium (an artificial cave) in Texas for an evening of feeding.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> How do bats see so well in the dark?</em><br><br><strong>A.</strong> Bats actually have pretty good eyesight, but, like humans, that eyesight isn’t very useful when it’s dark outside and bats are active. So instead of using their eyes, many bats use “echolocation” – making really high-pitched sounds that bounce off of things, like objects they want to avoid or a juicy bug they want to catch for dinner. By listening to the sounds that bounce back, bats can determine where things are, how big they are, and if they are moving.  <br><br>Check out this cool JumpStart! video, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr-Y2Tt8gFE">“Bat Echolocation Song.”</a></p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=WaIj_R5I 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=EwaHsQzn 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=PVCNWnF2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=cZjArbsz 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="320"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=WaIj_R5I 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=EwaHsQzn 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=PVCNWnF2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=cZjArbsz 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="320"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/2-ExaminingLlittleBrownBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=cZjArbsz" width="480" height="320" alt="A small brown bat with an excited look on its face and its mouth wide mouth in the gloved hand a of biologist" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/litte-brown-bat">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>A wildlife biologist examines a little brown bat.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> The bat in the photo above looks frightened. When you examine a bat what do you do to make sure it’s not afraid of you?</em><br><br><strong>A. </strong>People are a lot bigger than a bat, and I’m sure it is scary to be handled by a human. We try to help keep the bats as calm as we can by handling them as little as possible, being really gentle, and letting them go free as quickly as we can. If you find a bat, don’t handle it. Like all animals, bats may bite or scratch to protect themselves.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg.webp?itok=GxYMMjoO 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg.webp?itok=adKF7-Bu 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg.webp?itok=S9xyoupF 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg.webp?itok=sbgW4Csz 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="320"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg?itok=GxYMMjoO 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg?itok=adKF7-Bu 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg?itok=S9xyoupF 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg?itok=sbgW4Csz 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="320"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/8-ClusterOfGrayBatsHibernating-AnnFroschauerUSFWS_0.jpg?itok=sbgW4Csz" width="480" height="320" alt="Dozens of gray-brown-colored bats hang upside down huddled together in a cave" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/grays-bats-hibernating">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>Bats often hibernate in caves and other snug places during the winter.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> Why do bats hibernate from late fall to early spring?</em><br><br><strong>A.</strong> In places with cold winters where food is not available year-round, some bats will hibernate in caves, mines or other places like buildings or rock crevices. In order to survive months without food, bats slow down their bodily functions – like body temperature, heart rate and breathing – to conserve energy. Every few weeks, hibernating bats may warm up and move around for a short time before slowing down again.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg.webp?itok=tH9Ylpx2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="880"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg.webp?itok=LpMI0bIC 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="727"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg.webp?itok=5-GXPNzp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="563"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg.webp?itok=T9JTdmaV 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="352"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg?itok=tH9Ylpx2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="880"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg?itok=LpMI0bIC 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="727"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg?itok=5-GXPNzp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="563"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg?itok=T9JTdmaV 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="352"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY.jpg?itok=T9JTdmaV" width="480" height="352" alt="A gray-colored bat hovering over a plant with its nose in one of the plant's flowers" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/mexican-long-tongued-bat">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>Bees, butterflies and other insects aren’t the only animals that pollinate flowers and fruits. Bats do, too. Here a Mexican long-tongued bat hovers over an agave plant.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong>Why are bats good for people and for planet Earth?</em><br><br><strong>A. </strong>Bats are amazing animals that are important to the health of our environment and people. Although we may not always see them, bats are hard at work all around the world each night – eating tons of insects, pollinating flowers and spreading seeds that grow new plants and trees. Believe it or not, many of the foods we like to eat depend on bats for pollination or pest control.<br><br>Without bats, there might not be any chocolate or coffee! Check out this fun <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jHdhQuWx_8">“All About Bats!” video</a>.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=PVF5lamM 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="780"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=pv4tTfdL 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="645"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=2Ij8wrl- 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="499"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg.webp?itok=V6eaDRkG 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="312"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=PVF5lamM 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="780"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=pv4tTfdL 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="645"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=2Ij8wrl- 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="499"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=V6eaDRkG 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="312"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/10-PallidBat-AnnFroschauerUSFWS.jpg?itok=V6eaDRkG" width="480" height="312" alt="An excited brown bat bearing its teeth as it is being examined" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/pallid-bat">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>This pallid bat is being examined by a researcher. Pallid bats are found in dry areas across the western United States, including at <a href="/node/557">Kofa National Wildlife Refuge</a> in Arizona.</figcaption></figure><p> <em><strong>Q.</strong> How many different kinds of bats are there? Do you have a favorite one?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> Worldwide, there are more than 1,400 species of bats. That’s almost 20 percent of all mammal species. Bats live almost everywhere on Earth except the most extreme desert and polar regions. There are about 47 species of bats in the United States. I like all kinds of bats, but one of my favorites is the pallid bat – they have beautiful white fur and huge ears, which they use to listen for the footsteps of prey like scorpions and centipedes.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg.webp?itok=ncyL6JI1 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg.webp?itok=pMy36XAL 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg.webp?itok=bUCj6tek 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg.webp?itok=wgpmBNBZ 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="320"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg?itok=ncyL6JI1 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg?itok=pMy36XAL 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="661"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg?itok=bUCj6tek 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg?itok=wgpmBNBZ 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="320"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/11-LittleBrownBatWithWhite-NoseSyndrome-RyanVonLindenNYDeptOfEnvironmentalConservation.jpg?itok=wgpmBNBZ" width="480" height="320" alt="A small brown bat with what looks like white powder on its nose. The white is in fact a fungus." class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/little-brown-bat-white-nose-syndrome">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>This little brown bat has white-nose syndrome, a disease that is deadly to bats.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> What is white-nose syndrome, and why is it bad for bats?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> White-nose syndrome is a disease that is one of the biggest threats to bats in North America. It has killed millions of bats. The disease is named for the white fungus that appears on the nose, ears and wings of hibernating bats. Bats with white-nose syndrome wake more often during hibernation and use up the stored fat reserves they need to survive the winter.</p><p>Check out <a href="https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/">White-Nose Syndrome.org: A Coordinated Response to the Devastating Bat Disease</a>.</p><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> Why do bats hang upside down a lot, and do they ever get dizzy?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> Hanging upside down has a few benefits for bats. Bats have special tendons in their feet that let them hang while being totally relaxed, so they aren’t using much energy. It allows them to take off quickly in flight also. Most bats are so small they probably don’t get dizzy like we might because gravity doesn’t make as much blood rush to their head. The same valves and muscles that keep blood from pooling to our feet are upside down in bats and keep blood from rushing to their heads.</p><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> Some people might find the photo above scary. What is this bat doing?</em></p><p><strong>A. </strong>I think this bat is echolocating. Remember, bats use sound to “see,” and they can actually focus the sound by opening their mouth wider. Bats also open their mouth wider when they are echolocating in a smaller space, and make their mouth narrower if they are trying to “see” what is in a bigger area.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center two_third_width_image"><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg.webp?itok=t51-BeiP 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="900"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg.webp?itok=QOXQdHfp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="744"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg.webp?itok=6t6ZqlGQ 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="576"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg.webp?itok=URMpJvfM 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="360"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg?itok=t51-BeiP 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="900"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg?itok=QOXQdHfp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="744"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg?itok=6t6ZqlGQ 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="576"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg?itok=URMpJvfM 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="360"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2022-02/14-GrayBats-FernCaveRefuge-AL-JenniferPinkleyUSFWSvolunteer.jpg?itok=URMpJvfM" width="480" height="360" alt="A hundred or more small brown-ish bats hanging upside down together in a cave" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/gray-bats-fern-cave-national-wildlife-refuge">Image Details</a></div></div></div><figcaption>More than 1 million gray bats hibernate each winter at Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama.</figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Q.</strong> What are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations and individuals doing to protect bats? And where can people go to learn more about bats?</em></p><p><strong>A.</strong> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with a lot of <a href="http://www.batcon.org/">organizations</a> and people to protect bats and learn more about them. Staff members at many of our national wildlife refuges study bats and work to protect their habitat. That’s the case at <a href="/refuge/fern-cave" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="841a3c0e-4e66-4ea6-ada9-4011618343bb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge">Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge</a> in Alabama which is home to the largest wintering colony of gray bats. Other Fish and Wildlife Service biologists study white-nose syndrome and work with partners to try to help bats survive the disease.</p><p>Would you like to help out? Check out <a href="/story/bats-are-one-most-important-misunderstood-animals" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7efe6054-36bd-48b6-8b72-4b9a8e6923e9" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Bats are one of the most important misunderstood animals">Bats Are One of the Most Important Misunderstood Animals</a>.</p></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-subject-tags clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Story Tags</h3><div class="field field--name-field-subject-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item">Habitat conservation</div><div class="field--item">Mammals</div><div class="field--item">Wildlife</div><div class="field--item">Wildlife refuges</div><div class="field--item">Wildlife viewing</div></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50 news-meta-data"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-author clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Written By</h3><div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"> <article class="staff-profile author clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profilefield-staff-profile-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-staff-profile-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/staff-profile-image/IMG_9273.jpg?h=6981f79a&itok=vu_DJqcp" width="50" height="50" alt="Man in blue shirt and life vest with ball cap on backwards shooting video while riding in boat" class="img-responsive" /></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profiletitle clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/staff-profile/bill-obrian" hreflang="en">Bill O'Brian</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-story-category clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-story-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/news/wildlife-wonders" hreflang="en">Wildlife Wonders</a></div></div></section><section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-facility-reference clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Facilities</h3><div class="field field--name-field-facility-reference field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"><a href="/refuge/fern-cave" hreflang="en">Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge</a></div><div class="field--item"><a href="/refuge/guam" hreflang="en">Guam National Wildlife Refuge</a></div><div class="field--item"><a href="/refuge/kofa" hreflang="en">Kofa National Wildlife Refuge</a></div><div class="field--item"><a href="/refuge/ozark-plateau" hreflang="en">Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge</a></div><div class="field--item"><a href="/refuge/sauta-cave" hreflang="en">Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge</a></div></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-blockrelated-stories-related-stories clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Related Stories</h3><div class="form-group"><div class="items-card tabs-mobile-select view view-related-stories view-id-related_stories view-display-id-related_stories js-view-dom-id-69364129ddb82181d40e3a2447a913858487703453737e7270fc3e25b0694fd4"><div class="view-content"><div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-field-related-stories"><div class="field-content"><article class="story card"><div class="field field--name-field-banner-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/story/bats-are-one-most-important-misunderstood-animals" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" 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