By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
In an effort to highlight the importance of Kentucky’s nighttime flyers, Mammoth Cave National Park hosted its annual Bat Day, featuring speakers from across the commonwealth representing different facets of bat conservation and research.
The event opened at 10 a.m. with Cory Holliday, program director for The Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee chapter, who discussed the broader picture of bat conservation across the nation.
“Bats have a major PR problem,” Holliday said. “They fall into this category that I call the creepy and the crawly.” He explained that people tend to connect more easily with “cute and cuddly” animals, which often leads to greater funding and research for species seen as more relatable. “Because of that, there are a lot of shortcomings for us around bats,” he said.
Despite the lack of attention, bats are “incredibly generous” to humans, Holliday noted. All of Kentucky’s bat species are insectivores, providing a natural defense against farm and forest pests. He pointed to a 2011 study that estimated bats save Kentucky’s agricultural industry more than $374 million annually in pest control and crop protection.
Holliday also highlighted threats to bat populations, many tied to human activity. “Gray Bats, who form large colonies in caves at times, can be extremely vulnerable to unexpected changes in the cave—whether that’s light or sound,” he said.
While mainly focusing on man-made problems, Holliday took time in his presentation to also mention the catastrophic effect White-Nose Syndrome has had on many vulnerable populations.
Deterrents such as bat-friendly gates can help, but Holliday warned that vandalism remains a challenge, with some gates even cut open by intruders. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Currently, four bat species in Kentucky are listed as endangered. Holliday struck a hopeful note, though, sharing that the Gray Bat may soon be removed from the list pending further research. He stressed that conservationists would continue monitoring populations to prevent future declines.
Attendance grew steadily during his talk, with visitors and locals filling the room. “We try to come every year,” said Summer Shade resident Carol Medley, gesturing to her husband. “One of our favorite things is to go out on our porch at night and watch the bats.”
The day concluded at the cave’s historic entrance, where visitors observed researchers capturing bats for health evaluations and study.
The program wrapped up around 9 p.m., leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for the nocturnal species that quietly sustain Kentucky’s ecosystems.
Comments