Learn Why Bats are Our Friends at WSU Vancouver.
Bats have a bad reputation…many people think all bats carry rabies, bats are pests, bats will attack people and suck your blood, and, if bitten by a bat, you will turn into a vampire! While bats are unusual animals, they are also very useful, known as “nature’s bug zappers”!
While the season often calls for depicting bats as blood-sucking, vicious creatures, now families have an opportunity to see live bats up close and learn why these animals are largely misunderstood. “Come see Associate Professor Christine Portfors’ annual Bat Talk for children and families on Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Portfors gives a presentation on the commonly held misperceptions of bats. She will dispel popular folklore and teach about the beneficial roles bats play in the ecosystem, such as managing insect populations, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Live bats from Portfor’s lab will be available for viewing.”
“Many people want to get rid of bats and consequently, certain species are becoming endangered” said Portfors. “These animals need to be understood in order to protect them. My role as a scientist is to help educate the public about their importance. Kids especially have a lot of fun coming to see the live bats.”
For more information, visit WSU Vancouver online or email Christine Portfors, [email protected]. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Avenue off the 134th Street exit form either I-5 or I-205. Parking is free on weekends. ~Washington State University Vancouver
