Want to see bats in the wild? Attend a viewing event in Moab

Utah is home to 18 confirmed bat species, and an upcoming Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) event will give you the opportunity to learn more about them and to possibly see bats up close.
Bats are unique in that they are the only mammals capable of true flight. They live throughout the state and can be abundant wherever they can find food, shelter, and water. Utah’s bats feed almost exclusively on insects.
“Bats are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem,” DWR Southeastern Region Outreach Manager Brandon Behling said. “They are often misunderstood and sometimes feared when they don’t need to be.
“We are excited to provide more information about these unique animals and hopefully give people the chance to see them up close at two upcoming events being held in southeastern Utah.”
While southern Utah has the greatest diversity of bat species, DWR biologists conduct surveys statewide to learn more about the different species, where they are located throughout Utah, and how their populations are doing.
During these surveys biologists use special nets – often placed near the water – to snare bats as they swoop down to eat insects. The biologists then quickly detangle the bats from the nets, identify the species, gather other health information, and release the bats back into the wild.
At an upcoming event, members of the public will have the opportunity to take a close look at the bats before they are released. It will be held on Wednesday, September 10 from 6-11 p.m. at the Kane Creek Recreation Parking area in Moab.
Attendees will get to watch the netting survey process and will have a chance to see bats up close. Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats.
Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own. Participants should bring a camp chair and a small flashlight or headlamp because it will be very dark.
While the event is free, participants are encouraged to register in advance on Eventbrite, as the event is space limited