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Audubon society vanishes bat myths

Bats are often associated with things that go "bump" in the night. Tales of vampires and other creatures from a far-off netherworld are just stories, but environmentalists say many people carry a misguided animosity for the mammals because of those myths.

The Shawnee Audubon Society tried to cut through the legends Saturday at the War Bluff Sanctuary, located near Golconda. Tim Carter, SIUC assistant professor of zoology, gave a presentation about bats' biology, history and importance to the environment of the region.

John Wallace, president of the Shawnee Audubon Society, said bats are one of nature's most misunderstood creatures.

"We hope to disband the unwarranted fear of these mammals," said Wallace, who is also a board member of the Illinois Audubon Society. "Hollywood has done a real disservice to bats. They are not rodents. They are more like human beings."

Illinois' bats are typically about two inches long with a wingspan that may extend 10 to 12 inches. They also have an average lifespan up to 34 years.

There are approximately 1,000 species of bats in the world. Carter, who had been studying the creatures since his days as an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama, said some12 different species live or visit the state throughout the year.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said few people realize that all bats are protected under the Wildlife Code and the federal government. The department also said that both the Indiana Bat and Gray Bat species are considered endangered species.

Bats are beneficial to the environment. In a single night, one bat can eat up to 3,000 insects, including many that are harmful to humans and farm crops.

The most common misconception, Wallace said, is that bats are instant carriers of rabies, but that is not the case. Bats are no more inclined to the disease as any other animal. According to the IDNR, more people die annually from dog attacks, bee stings, power mower accidents and being struck by lightning than they do of rabid bat bites.

"People should not mess with bats - or any wildlife for that matter - for any reason. Caution must be taken with anything," Wallace said.

Wallace said if someone bothers a bat while it is nursing its young, the bat would likely drop all of its babies in order to protect itself, instantly killing the offspring.

"The primary reason, in my opinion, is ignorance," he said. "We don't realize the impact we have on them."

Tampering with the mammals during their hibernation stage could also prove detrimental to the species. During hibernation, bats can only take one breath a minute, relying solely on body fat for survival. Any sense of disturbance or arousal could cause up to a month's worth of fat reserves to be lost.

Bats occasionally take up residence on human property, including in an attic. Mark Donham, member of the Shawnee Audubon Society, said many forms of wildlife, including bats, have taken up residence on his property. Bats have roosted in his porches and have even swooped down in the middle of the night to take a drink from his pool, sometimes while he and his family are swimming.

"We love them," Donham said. "We want them to come."

The Illinois Audubon Society, founded in 1897, is one of the oldest conservation groups in the country. The Shawnee chapter began its membership when Jean Graber and her late husband Dick donated the 500- acre War Bluff Wildlife Sanctuary to the Illinois Audubon Society. The sanctuary, which is located in Pope County, is now the largest of the statewide society's sanctuaries.

"One of our main purposes was to be a steward for this sanctuary," Wallace said. "And we have ever since."

Beverly Frailey, whose birthday was Saturday, drove from Springfield to be with her daughter Karen. She said the Southern Illinois environment is unique to any other area.

"It's one of the state's best kept secrets," she said.

The Shawnee Audubon Society covers the southernmost counties of Illinois and meets six times a year. For more information on current activities, contact Wallace at 453-6367.

 

 

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