The warm weather and cool nights bring out a familiar desert sight. Joshua Tree National Park Ranger Pam Tripp says keep your eye out for bats…
When visiting Joshua Tree National Park during the warmer months, keep an eye out for the only flying mammal in the world: the bat. As the sun sets, you can see them flying in seemingly erratic, haphazard patterns, or sometimes darting a little too close for comfort. Bats roost during the day in caves or old mine shafts, and come out at dusk to search for food and a cool drink of water. Bats have the most sophisticated, echo-locating system in the animal world, enabling them to track and eat individual insects. They also play an important role in nature by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. If you come across any sick or injured bats, avoid contact; and if you think that you may have been bitten by a bat, seek prompt medical attention, as some can carry the rabies virus. For more information about animals in Joshua Tree National Park, visit our official website at www.nps.gov/jotr, or call us at 760-367-5522.
