Peachland's bats are snug in their winter hideaways as another busy, batty year draws to a close.
They worked hard all summer long keeping Peachland free of pesky insects. Consider the good you can do by installing a bat house or better yet become a member and choose to join in by volunteering your precious time, enthusiasm and abilities to the conservation of these marvellous mammals. We'd love to have you learn and have fun with us!
Friday, December 2, BEEPS hosted pre-light-up, bat-themed crafts at the Boys & Girls Club. BEEPERS Rachel T. (Santa hat in the background) and Jeff B (Batman cap) had just as much fun helping big and little kids make nighty wrapping paper and batty ornaments. A big shout out to everybody who participated before following the Peachland Firetruck to Heritage Park for the countdown to the big event..
Bats are sleeping now, aren't they?
As a result of ongoing research, biologists are finding that healthy bats are also somewhat active in winter and that a few bats even choose to hibernate in woodpiles or under house trim.
. HELP! REPORT SICK OR DEAD BATS IN THE OKANAGAN AND SIMILKAMEEN AREAS
The province’s bats are threatened by disease and researchers are asking the public for help. White-nose Syndrome (WNS) is a disease that devastates bat colonies when they tuck into their underground homes to escape winter. The disease is caused by a fungus that grows on bats’ skin while they hibernate, disrupting their long winter nap and causing them to starve to death before spring.... Read more
The directors of BEEPS will be spending the winter months, continuing our BIG plans for 2023, so keep an eye out for announcements about expanded, travelling Bat Chats, Bat Ambassador Workshops, ongoing mortality and conservation research studies and strategies and more, We are nurturing partnerships with local and regional organizations to raise awareness of the vital role bats play in a healthy overall logy, and how we can work together for successful stewardship. A global focus on the importance of bats to agriculture is growing, and we can all do our part. Less reliance on harmful chemical pesticides that make their way up the food chain. Local Peachland wineries and a Summerland orchardist are relying on bats to help reduce insect pests, so they can reduce toxic sprays. We hope to entice more agriculturists to join in. Greater attention and support of our watershed and everything it supports. Let's all step up and take responsibility, and teach the generations following, just how it's done. Please consider joining us as a director or an occasional volunteer, there are many opportunities available. It is easier and waaay more fun than a diet or a rigorous workout regimen!!
All of us here at BEEPS
wish everyone who is reading this a joyous 2023 filled with good health, prosperity and friendship.
