By Brian Stanley
For the Bugle
From Bruce Wayne to Dracula to Louisville Sluggers, we all know bats are cool.
And learning more about bats is just one of the opportunities Shorewood residents will have in the forest this week.
On Thursday, the Will County Forest Preserve will present “Bats! Bats! Bats!” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hammel Woods in Shorewood.
This free program will allow families to “bask in the brilliance of bats” and “bust bat myths” with activities and, of course, watching for bats in flight beginning at dusk. Recommended for ages 5 and up, participants should bring blankets or chairs, bug repellent and wear long pants. Guest should enter Hammel Woods from the Route 59 access.
There are over 13,000 species of bats worldwide. Twelve different species are commonly found in Illinois and all of them hunt only insects. Eight of the 12 species of bats are known to live within Will County Forest Preserves. Last summer more than 100 big brown bats were recorded coming out of a picnic shelter at Hammel Woods.
Most bats here roost in trees, caves and sometimes under bridges. With a low insect level during colder months, most bats hibernate or go to a warmer climate during the winter.
Thursday is also the last day to register for Saturday’s “Walk In The Woods” Bird Hike that will also be held at Hammel Woods.
An interpretive naturalist will lead other like-minded birders through oak-hickory forest near the DuPage River. The free hike is for adults 18 and older and will meet at the Hidden Shelter accessed from Route 59. Hikers can register at (815) 722-9470 or at ReconnectWithNature.org.
The hike will be between one to two miles over uneven, natural terrain.