A Townsend Big Eared Bat. Photo: Courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

ALTA, Utah — The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is hosting some upcoming bat-viewing events that let you learn more about these animals and possibly see some up close. Utah hosts 18 confirmed bat species. Many of these bats help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Learn about bats at Alta Aug.16

The first event takes place Friday, Aug. 16 from 8:30-11:30 p.m. at the Alta Ski Resort at the Wildcat Base parking lot. Attendees will hear an informative outdoor presentation about bats. From there, attendees can go to the area where a netting survey will take place to see the bats up close. Biologists catch the bats for research purposes and then release them again.

Learn about bats in Southern Utah Aug. 23

The second event occurs on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mammoth Cave, which is five miles northeast of Duck Creek Village. Around sunset, attendees will gather under the ponderosa pines to hear an informative presentation about bats. Nets will be placed near the mouth of the cave, giving attendees a chance to see bats and learn more about them as biologists conduct the survey.

What you should bring

Participants must wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own. Participants should bring a camp chair, and small flashlight or headlamp because it will be very dark. While the event is free, participants are encouraged to register in advance on Eventbrite, as the event is weather dependent.

These events fill up quickly, so register today.