1st grade students at the elementary science lab “bat cave.”

Who hangs upside-down and stays awake at night? No, not the Pre-K2 students… it’s bats!

We learned all about bats this week! Our elementary science lab coordinator, Ms. Carissa Gibbons, invited a bat expert from A-Z Animals to present some amazing bat facts to our students. Vicky Smith, also known as “The Bat Lady,” is proud to provide environmental education to students around Alabama. Vicky is an award-winning environmental educator and experienced naturalist, teaching over 5,000 people each year. Vicky loves these little winged furry creatures of the night and we were so happy she shared her passion with us.

Bats are sometimes thought to be scary, but that is not true! We learned that bats play an essential role in pest control, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Because bats eat so many insects, they lessen the need for use of chemical pesticides in agriculture. Bats are not a threat to humans- especially those in our region. Sixteen different bat species are found in the state of Alabama. Most are very small (around the size of your hand).

Halloween’s creepiest critters are actually a very important part of our ecosystem. Thanks, bats!