News Release
August 11, 2008
The Truth About Bats
Batavia, Ohio. "You've probably heard it said that someone is as 'blind as a bat;' the truth is that bats are not blind," said Kathy Edelen of EchoBats, Incorporated. She will lead a free presentation, The Truth about Bats, at the Chilo Lock #34 Park at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008. Those attending will then go on a walk to search for the winged creatures of the night, who will most likely be hunting for prey in the nearby wetlands or along the Ohio River.
"Bats are good for our environment; they save farmers millions of dollars each year by eating the pesky corn borer," said Edelen while feeding Francesca and Lizzie, two of the Big Brown Bats she keeps for educational purposes. "They're called Big Brown Bats because they tend to be larger than other similar species of bats; they are about five inches long and weigh half of an ounce." The bats are among the most common found in this part of the country.
"You don't need to be afraid of bats," she said. "Scary movies make you think that vampire bats are looming everywhere. In fact, only three of the 1,200 species of bats in the world are vampire bats and they live in Latin America."
Brown Bats (Little and Big species) are big eaters; they can consume over 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour! The bats feast on a variety of night-flying insects, including mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and wasps.
"Oh, if you ever get a bat in your house, there is no need to chase him with a broom," said Edelen. "Just turn out the lights, close off the room, and open a door or window. He will fly right out." For more information about The Truth about Bats program, call the Chilo Lock #34 Park at (513) 876-9013.
Pictured above: Kathy Edelen of EchoBats, Inc. and her bats, Francesca and Lizzie.
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