Post by madratdan on Jun 2, 2006 8:36:00 GMT -5
5TH ANNUAL BAT FESTIVAL AT FT. LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
5/26/2006
TORRINGTON - Ever wondered what kinds of wildlife might haunt the prairies of Wyoming after dark? You can find out more about Wyoming’s bats and other nighttime or nocturnal wildlife June 17, at the Wyoming Bat Festival. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Fort Laramie’s National Historic Site.
The fort has a resident population of bats, and the festival provides visitors the opportunity to watch these fascinating mammals in action.
"We started the festival five years ago," says Michelle Zitek, Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Laramie Region information and education specialist. "We wanted to increase awareness of Wyoming’s wildlife. We’ve tried to add some new events and activities each year, and this year we are adding information on other nocturnal animals."
In addition to the booths on bats, the Game and Fish’s herpetologist will share information about frogs and toads of Wyoming. Bill Turner has a master’s degree in zoology, and has worked for the Game and Fish for almost 3 years as the state’s herpetologist.
Turner will have a booth at the event, and will work with participants to help them recognize the "Songs of the Dark," breeding calls of native frogs and toads.
"The public has enjoyed the event, and watching the bats fly out of the buildings has been the high point of the evening," says Zitek. "Three years ago Dr. Cheryl Schmidt, from e2M consulting firm began mist netting at the festival. She carefully captures bats that live in the Traders Store to demonstrate how researchers learn more about the bats living in the area. Seeing the bats as she captures and cares for them has really helped alleviate some of the fears people have."
Many people believe myths about bats, thinking they carry rabies, get tangled in women’s hair and are generally bad, but the truth is they are very gentle and important. They are vital in controlling night flying pests that can do tremendous damage to crops.
Informational booths will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 and include:
-- Brenda Bell, Nature’s Nook and Cranny located in Laramie will present a puppet show.
-- Fort Laramie’s staff will lead nature hikes
-- Cristi Lockman, Douglas U.S. Forest Service will have a booth about bats of the forest.
-- Kim Dickerson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have a booth on bat facts
-- Janet Johnson will provide activities for the whole family at the Family Roost
-- Michelle Zitek, Game and Fish, will demonstrate how to build a bat house
-- Bill Turner, Game and Fish will have a booth on Wyoming’s frogs and toads
-- And others will be on hand to share their expertise on nocturnal animals
Interpretive programs will begin at 8:00 p.m. Joe Reasoner, of the National Park Service will present information about the history of Fort Laramie. Game and Fish and Fort Laramie personnel will present bat basics. After dark, participants will be able to watch bats feed over the river, fly out of the buildings and listen to the "Songs of the Dark" on guided hikes.
The festival is a cooperative effort between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the National Park Service’s Fort Laramie National Historic Site, with significant contributions from all those listed above. We hope you will join us for this fun filled evening.
5/26/2006
TORRINGTON - Ever wondered what kinds of wildlife might haunt the prairies of Wyoming after dark? You can find out more about Wyoming’s bats and other nighttime or nocturnal wildlife June 17, at the Wyoming Bat Festival. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Fort Laramie’s National Historic Site.
The fort has a resident population of bats, and the festival provides visitors the opportunity to watch these fascinating mammals in action.
"We started the festival five years ago," says Michelle Zitek, Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Laramie Region information and education specialist. "We wanted to increase awareness of Wyoming’s wildlife. We’ve tried to add some new events and activities each year, and this year we are adding information on other nocturnal animals."
In addition to the booths on bats, the Game and Fish’s herpetologist will share information about frogs and toads of Wyoming. Bill Turner has a master’s degree in zoology, and has worked for the Game and Fish for almost 3 years as the state’s herpetologist.
Turner will have a booth at the event, and will work with participants to help them recognize the "Songs of the Dark," breeding calls of native frogs and toads.
"The public has enjoyed the event, and watching the bats fly out of the buildings has been the high point of the evening," says Zitek. "Three years ago Dr. Cheryl Schmidt, from e2M consulting firm began mist netting at the festival. She carefully captures bats that live in the Traders Store to demonstrate how researchers learn more about the bats living in the area. Seeing the bats as she captures and cares for them has really helped alleviate some of the fears people have."
Many people believe myths about bats, thinking they carry rabies, get tangled in women’s hair and are generally bad, but the truth is they are very gentle and important. They are vital in controlling night flying pests that can do tremendous damage to crops.
Informational booths will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 and include:
-- Brenda Bell, Nature’s Nook and Cranny located in Laramie will present a puppet show.
-- Fort Laramie’s staff will lead nature hikes
-- Cristi Lockman, Douglas U.S. Forest Service will have a booth about bats of the forest.
-- Kim Dickerson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have a booth on bat facts
-- Janet Johnson will provide activities for the whole family at the Family Roost
-- Michelle Zitek, Game and Fish, will demonstrate how to build a bat house
-- Bill Turner, Game and Fish will have a booth on Wyoming’s frogs and toads
-- And others will be on hand to share their expertise on nocturnal animals
Interpretive programs will begin at 8:00 p.m. Joe Reasoner, of the National Park Service will present information about the history of Fort Laramie. Game and Fish and Fort Laramie personnel will present bat basics. After dark, participants will be able to watch bats feed over the river, fly out of the buildings and listen to the "Songs of the Dark" on guided hikes.
The festival is a cooperative effort between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the National Park Service’s Fort Laramie National Historic Site, with significant contributions from all those listed above. We hope you will join us for this fun filled evening.