Bats are amazing mammals that have perfected the phenomenon of echolocation for hunting.

These often misunderstood creatures follow the echoes made when sounds bounce off of even the smallest of insects. This is how they pinpoint exactly what to eat—often in complete darkness. Most people definitely would starve if they had to rely on echolocation for their food!

Unfortunately, every species of bat in Ohio is now state-listed as rare or of concern. Their populations have declined rapidly in past decades due to habitat loss and diseases like white-nose syndrome.

The good news is that Metroparks Toledo is still home to 8 species. Look for them nightly around dusk on the edges of our woodlands and meadows, flying erratically as they snatch up mosquitoes and other pesky bugs!