Marian University To Host Program On Myth And Value Of Bats
John Armitage | Nov 27, 2012
The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab on the campus of Marian University is educating the public about the presence of bats in the environment. The EcoLab’s ecologists hope continued education and outreach will quell myths about the mammals. The presence of bats
What: A free information program to explain the functions, values, and clarify myths about bats.
When: Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Nina Mason Pulliam Nature Center; 3200 Cold Spring Road; Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Who To Contact: Jody Nicholson, Outreach Ecologist, at 317.946.1433 email@example.com
The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab on the campus of Marian University is educating the public about the presence of bats in the environment. The EcoLab’s ecologists hope continued education and outreach will quell myths about the mammals. The presence of bats does not pose a public health concern. The chances of getting bit by a bat are very slim. Less than 5 percent of all bats have rabies.
“The incident with the Indiana University student was very unfortunate because the student didn't have any real chance to prevent the encounter. The problem with rabid bats is that they can start acting outside of their normal ecological routine and unintentionally present themselves to humans either during the day or in a building,” said Jody Nicholson, EcoLab outreach ecologist.
Although it's not uncommon for healthy bats to roost in buildings, the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) very commonly roosts in buildings or old barns throughout the summer. They are looking for a suitable roost that provides shelter, meets their temperature preference, and provides protection from predators. The Big Brown Bat is one of the heartier bats in the region and because of that, they can have a diverse choice of roosts, which might include a home or attic. Open windows aren't necessarily a preferred entrance to a roosting site. Bats commonly seek entrance to buildings via attic vents or cracks/seams in the exterior.
If you see a bat in the house or even active during the day outside on the ground or in the garage, do not touch it or get near it. Do not attempt to contain the animal yourself. Call pest control.
The EcoLab’s new bat program helps describe functions, values, and clarify myths about bats. OnSaturday, April 7 from 1-3 p.m., the public is invited to a free program at the Nina Mason Pulliam Nature Center, located in the lower level of Allison Mansion on the campus of Marian University. Enter through the doors on the north end of the mansion that overlook the EcoLab.
About the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is committed to education about the environment through interaction with the environment. The EcoLab is a 55-acre natural area on the campus of Marian University where environmental restoration began 100 years ago with esteemed landscape architect, Jens Jensen, and continues today with Marian University students, K-12 school groups, and the general public.