HANCVELLE, Ala. – The Shirley Burden Public Library in Hanceville on Thursday, June 19, welcomed Boy Scout Colin Hyde, who presented a program titled “Bats, Bats and More Bats!” The presentation was part of the library’s summer reading program and also part of Hyde’s Eagle Project. Hyde, a member of Boy Scout Troop 219, is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout.
Hyde covered many topics, such as where bats live and shelter, how to provide said shelter, how they benefit the ecosystem, their diets and more.
Hyde told the audience they should not be afraid of bats, but welcome them. He said bats are very beneficial and active during the summer months – eating over a thousand mosquitoes in one night – and that many species (including the local Big Brown Bat) eat major agricultural threats like beetles, moths, stink bugs and flies.
To find their next meals, bats will emit rapid clicks (30-60 clicks a second) to the detect size, speed and density of an insect.
Hyde also advised how to properly house these bats, by building or buying cedar wood shelters. They can be placed on the west side of buildings, at about 12-16 feet or higher off of the ground. Many designs exist, and some species require specific depth and wood type. Hyde said it’s important to research the specific local bat that you are wanting to house.
He said there are a whopping 1,600 bats worldwide; however, here in north Alabama you’re likely to find only 15-16 bat species, including the Big Brown Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Brazilian Free-tailed Bat or, if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the endangered Gray Bat.
After his presentation, Hyde read a story to the young listeners called “Bats at the Library” by Brian Lee, a fitting choice considering the location. Hyde was engaging, reading the book and showing the illustrations and afterward answering questions from the curious children in the crowd.
Hyde said he’s been fascinated with bats for quite some time. He said his future project is to bring bat houses to both Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman and the Veterans Park in Hanceville.
He said he hopes that by hosting the event Thursday, he brought awareness to younger generations to get more involved with preserving these endangered winged mammals.
