Free event will have bat-themed educational activities for all ages

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Audubon Center are hosting Bat-Stravaganza, a family-friendly event focused on learning about and celebrating bats. The free event will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Montana Audubon Center (7026 S. Billings Blvd.) from 6-8 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Participants at Bat-Stravaganza will learn about benefits of and threats to bats, play educational games, explore a “bat cave,” and make bat-themed crafts. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Prizes, snacks, and fun giveaways will be available.

Bats provide a variety of benefits to humans and the ecosystem, such as crop protection, insect pest control and pollination. In Montana, there are 15 different species of bats, 11 of which are considered “Species of Concern” due threats such as habitat loss and white nose syndrome. For more information on bats in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bats.

Bat-Stravanganza will take place during Bat Week, an international, annual celebration held the last week of October. The goal of Bat Week is to raise awareness about bat conservation and improve public perception of these unique and important animals. For more information on Bat Week, visit: batweek.org.

There is no cost to attend this event, but donations are welcome and registration is encouraged. Register online here.