MCAS Community Program: All About BATS!
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 20TH.
Do you think bats are scary?
Learn the truth about bats with Blind Bat Educational Programs.
Presented by Melinda AlvaradoWHEN:
WHERE: El Chorro Regional Park, Oak Glen Pavilion
This presentation will include a slide show and feature live, tame bats of several species for viewing and discussion. All ages, kindergarten through adult, will benefit and appreciate this chance to examine the real world of bats.
Myths, superstitions, and misconceptions about these highly beneficial mammals are discussed and replaced with factual learning about the ecological importance of bats and their roles in many ecosystems as insect controllers, pollinators, and seed dispersers.
Discover why bats don't get headaches from hanging upside down, and why you don't have to worry about bats getting stuck in your hair.
Melinda will also show why:
• Bats are the only significant hunter of night flying insect pests.
• They are NOT blind, and are much more closely related to humans than rodents.
• There are almost 1,100 species of bats worldwide, the second largest order of mammal.
• Only about 1 in 1,000 bats will contract rabies, about the same as other wildlife.
• Simply not handling downed bats will reduce your chances of contracting this disease from a bat to zero.
• Bats are major pollinators in the southern hemisphere.
• They are primary seed disperser in tropical rainforests.
• Bats are responsible for up to 95% of tropical rainforest propagation.
Melinda Alvarado has been rehabilitating wildlife since 1989, and specializing in bats since 1995. She has been giving wildlife talks for as many years and has educated hundreds of children and adults on the importance of wildlife in our shared environment. Let Radar, a Big Brown Bat, change your mind forever regarding these marvelous creatures of the evening sky.
All MCAS programs are free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
