Bats play a vital role in many ecosystems, like controlling insect populations, fertilizing soils and pollinating plants. With more than 1,400 species identified, 20% of all mammal species are bats. Many are threatened or endangered due to fungal diseases, habitat destruction, pesticides, and other human activity. The more we learn about bats, the better we can do at protecting them and ensuring that they continue to thrive.
Bat Facts
- Bats are the only flying mammal; Bats wings are their fingers, which are webbed
- Most bats are nocturnal, meaning the sleep during the day and come out at night.
- Bats use echolocation to navigate, find food, and avoid obstacles
- Bats are the 2nd largest order of mammals (after rodents)
- Bats make up 20% of all mammal species worldwide
- Approximately 20 species of bats live in the Santa Barbara area.
- Bats do not fly in the rain because their wings get too heavy.
- Bats groom themselves to keep their fur soft and clean.
- Bats avoid humans and are not purposefully aggressive. You are more likely to get struck by lightning or get hit by a car than you are to get bitten by a bat.
- Most bats rarely land on the ground. If you see one on the ground, it is likely sick.
- Avoid touching a bat or bat manure, as they can transmit diseases.
Our Backyard Bats
At the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake, we have two bat boxes that host a local native species, the California Myotis.
Our first bat box is about 3 feet by 1 ½ feet and was designed, built, and erected in October 2013 by Nature Center volunteer Michael Marlow. It is suspended between two poles 16 feet off the ground. Since installing the first bat box, we have been hosting our popular program Going Batty every summer, with thousands of participants attending.
Our bat boxes are located behind the Nature Center in the Native Garden. Michael built a second Bat “Condo” 5 years later to accommodate our expanding bat population. This second bat box can be viewed at the Southeast end of the Nature Center’s Native Garden.
Guano (bat manure) under the Bat Box accumulates over time. Guano can transmit disease if you touch it or inhale its dust, so it is important to stay at least 10 feet away from it.
Paul Collins, a biologist with the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, has completed a two-year research project on bats. Paul identified these bats as the California Myotis (Myotis californicus) which are considered micro bats. They are part of the Myotis genus, which are a category of bats that are also called “Mouse-Eared Bats”. Come to our bat program or visit the nature center to learn more about these bats and other local native species!
We periodically count the amount of bats that drop out of each box. Here are the numbers we’ve counted over the years:
- September 9th, 2015 – 272 bats (1st box)
- May 10th, 2016 – 238 bats (1st box)
- May 2024 – 81 bats (2nd box)
- June 29th, 132 bats (2nd box)
- July 5th, 2024 – 264 bats (1st box)
California Myotis
The species of bats that live at the Neal Taylor Nature Center’s bat boxes are the California myotis (Myotis californicus), which are part of the Mouse-Eared Bat family and are considered micro bats. Weighing: 0.1 oz; Wingspan: 6-9″; Length: 1/2-2″.
This species of bats migrates south during the colder months, so you will typically see them active here at the Nature Center from late Spring to early Fall. They give birth to one pup per year, usually in late late June to early July.
There are hundreds of these bats that live in the two bat boxes at the nature center, coming out at dusk every evening to feed.
Save the Bats!
More than half of the bat species in the United States are in severe decline or are listed as endangered.
You can do your part to protect bats by donating to conservation programs, or even building your own bat box at home.
If you find bats roosting in your home and want to remove them, it is important to first identify the species as they may be endangered. In many places it is illegal to remove bats during birthing season. During the right season, colonies can be removed safely using barriers or netting. Seal any holes larger than a dime and any cracks larger than 1/4 inch, as smaller bats can fit into very tight spaces.
Learn more about the fascinating world of bats and how you can protect them with this bat fact sheet and resources, or by visiting us at the Nature Center.
Photo by Michael Durham
Learn more about Bats
At least 20 other bat species live here in Santa Barbara County, including but not limited to:
- Canyon Bat (Parastrellus hesperus)
- Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
- Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
- Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
- Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis)
Visit the Nature Center and attend our Going Batty program to learn more about these species and the fascinating world of bats!