Now’s your chance to learn more about moths and bats.
On Aug. 2 in Malta’s Trafton Park at 8:30 p.m., moth expert Mat Seidensticker and Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist Nicole Hussey will set up a light screen to attract moths. They will also have mobile bat recorders to identify bats.
Bats love to eat moths. Moths are also important for plants because, like bees, they can spread pollen.
Then on Aug. 9 at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Peck’s Downstream Campground there will be a bat walk. Hussey will be the guide as you look for the flying creatures. She will have an electronic device that can show you a bat’s call on an iPad.
The Fort Peck Interpretive Center will have other bat-themed activities going on from Friday, Aug. 8, through Monday, Aug. 12.
Everyone is welcome to these events, but any youngsters under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Some suggested items to bring include a flashlight/headlamp or glow sticks, bug spray and sturdy walking shoes.
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There are 15 species of bats that live in Montana. These include the big brown bat, the little brown myotis and the Townsend’s bigeared bat.
Almost all of them are considered a species of concern, meaning their numbers are low or falling and they face some challenges.
One of the threats bats face is a disease called white-nose syndrome that wakes them up in the winter and can lead to death.
To learn more about moths, you can log on to the Montana Moth Project’s web page. The website has lots of photos to help you identify moths, as well as information on the insects.
— Brett French, french@billingsgazette.com