Easy Access Bat Caves

Although often maligned because of entrenched prejudices and concerns about disease, bats are fascinating and useful animals. They pose virtually no danger to humans and help control pesky insects. Whether exploring the depths of a vast cavern or simply watching a nightly exit from the outside, seeing an active bat cave is an exhilarating experience for any nature enthusiast. As many bat species have been devastated in recent years by a fungal infection called white-nose syndrome, contact local wildlife authorities before visiting a bat cave to verify that it is open to the public and inhabited by bats.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Arizona's Kartchner Caverns State Park is a handicapped accessible active bat cave. Although it is uninhabited for much of the year, it is still inhabited by Myotis bats from late April through late September. The limestone cave has two guided 1-1/2 hour tours, one held year-round and the other from mid-October to mid-April.

P.O. Box 1849
Benson, Arizona 85602
(520) 586-2283
http://azstateparks.com/parks/KACA/tour_info.html

Frio Bat Cave

Although you can not enter it, Texas' Frio bat cave is one of the best places in the world to view bats. From 10 million to 12 million Mexican free-tailed bats leave the narrow cave mouth every evening from spring until fall. The bats are not the only spectacle, as several species of hawks and falcons prey on bats every evening as they exit the cave. Evening bat tours are scheduled from mid-March through mid-September. You must call or email ahead of time to schedule a tour.

P.O. Box 155
Rio Frio, Texas 78879
(830) 966-2320
http://www.hillcountryadventures.com/frio_bat_flight_overview.html

Lewis and Clark State Park

Montana's Lewis and Clark State Park boasts gorgeous and accessible limestone caverns and an active bat population. From April through September, there is a small colony of female and infant western big-eared bats that call the cave home. From May through September, there are guided tours of the caves daily. The caves are not handicapped accessible, but they are open to children 6 and older, and require no special equipment. There are regular and candlelight tours available.

P.O. Box 489
Whitehall, Montana 59759
(406) 287-3541
http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/LewisClarkCaverns/tours.html

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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