A Sudbury environmental organization is aiming to shift perceptions of bats from fear to curiosity through a study of the local bat population. The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee recently organized a “bat walk” at Park Lawn Cemetery, where participants utilized iPads equipped with echometers to detect the high-frequency sounds bats emit during echolocation. Evan Voutier, an ecological technician with the committee, highlighted the community’s interest in bats and the lack of research in the area, emphasizing the importance of involving the public in their research efforts.
The group is investigating how bats utilize various habitats across Greater Sudbury, including abandoned mines that serve as winter hibernation spots for some bat species. Biologist Franco Mariotti, a volunteer for the organization, stressed the significance of studying local bats due to ongoing threats, such as white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease responsible for substantial declines in bat populations by disrupting their hibernation patterns.
Mariotti also mentioned the risks bats face from wind turbines, which can cause severe internal trauma due to rapid changes in air pressure. Despite population declines, the group’s research indicates the presence of bats throughout the Sudbury area, with all eight bat species in Ontario found in Junction Creek alone. Mariotti underscored the crucial role bats play as insect predators, aiding in agricultural and forest pest control.
The committee’s aim is to change public perceptions of bats through educational “bat walks” and foster a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures. The next public “bat walk” hosted by the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee is scheduled for August 19.