Ecology—Bat Creatures of the Night

Gr 6 Up—Through the use of excellent videography, this wonderful program captures the behavior, reproduction, feeding, and echolocation of bats. While narrator, Jake Williams introduces viewers to several species of bats, the primary focus is on the largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats (40 million+) which inhabits the Bracken Cave hidden on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. No longer opened to the public, Bat Conservation International maintains the cave for observation and research of the colony. Emphasis is placed on the explanation of echolocation, the sonar system used by bats to emit sounds that reflect off of objects returning the echo to bat ears. Bats use this system to aid them in navigation and foraging. An outstanding job is done in presenting interesting facts and statistics which will grab the attention of the audience. Close-range shots of several species provide a unique insight into the aerial agility, size, appearance, anatomy, and differences among bats. White nose syndrome is discussed as a recognized disease that is threatening and endangering some species of bats. Interviews with biologists who are currently conducting research on the disease are included. Science teachers searching for supplemental materials to introduce nocturnal and particularly interesting smaller mammals and their relationships to our environment and ecology will find this presentation a useful resource. All viewers will be drawn in by the rare and amazing footage of this enchanting nature documentary.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC