A small but dedicated group is keen to help out resident bats

From assisting home-owners on how to manage bats in buildings to hosting bat walks that help to educate the public about the role bats play in our eco-system — these are reasons the Provincial Government has partnered with the Alberta Community Bat Program — a small group dedicated to raising the awareness of bat conservation in our province.

I spent some time with folks from the Alberta Community Bat Program as well as Species-at-Risk Biologist Lisa Wilkinson to get a better understanding of some of the challenges facing bats.

Video Story — Alberta Bats

In Alberta, two of the most common bats to be found in buildings are the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat — Lisa Wilkinson provides us with some neat facts about these remarkable mammals.

Video Story — Bat Biology

Erin Low and Corey Olson get ready to head out for a ‘bat walk’

Bats emit a high-pitched sound which is almost impossible for our ears to pick up, so these special monitors are dialed into the high frequency bats make and provide a visual wave length indicating a bat has just flown over.

It can get a little crowded in one of these bat houses. (picture courtesy Caroline Van Kirk Bissell)

There are many videos on-line that document the steps of how to build a bat house — I thought this one did a good job demonstrating just how easy it can be.

Video - How to build a bat house

If you would like more information about bats or need assistance in managing bats in your home, please contact the Alberta Community Bat program at www.albertabats.ca