Glacier National Park’s ‘Going Batty’ field trip takes place next week

The public is invited to join Glacier National Park and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel next Thursday for a “Going Batty” field trip, where attendees participate in bat monitoring efforts.  

Glacier National Park’s biologist Lisa Bate and her staff, along with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will lead participants on a late-evening expedition to a site with known bat activity. According to park officials, wildlife staff will set up mist nets to capture and process bats and use acoustic detectors to detect the ultrasonic calls of bats flying overhead. These monitoring efforts are critical as bats face several threats, including a disease known as white-nose syndrome. 

Participants will not be allowed to touch or handle bats. They will need to bring headlamps or flashlights, suitable clothing for the weather — including sturdy footwear — and a small backpack with food, water, extra clothing layers and bear spray. Participants should also bring their own face masks for protection against transfer of disease from humans to bats.