Virtual Creature Festival: NJ Native Bats

During the month of October, we will explore the world of NJ’s creepy-crawly fauna and flora and things that go bump, squawk, grunt, (or even stay silent) in the night and day! Also, remember to check out Duke Farms Eventbrite for a wide array of virtual programs to learn more about NJ’s best bears, bats, bobcats, beautiful amphibians, reptiles, as well as other important oozy critters and the concern about climate change’s already negative impact on their future.

As we open the door to October…

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many and quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more.”

Remember this poem? Maybe this is who is knocking at your door to welcome you to the Duke Farms Virtual Creature Fest!

Did you know that bats inhabit every continent except for Antarctica? It's true! Here in New Jersey, we're home to 9 species of bat. These winged mammals get a bad rap - they're actually essential to the ecosystem and beneficial to us humans. All bats native to the US are insectivores. Once you start exploring outside the US boundaries, you'll discover that some bats survive on fruit and nectar, making them pollinators, like our beloved bees. As exciting as fruit bats are, let's pay special attention to our batty neighbors here in NJ by exploring this resource.

Download the full PDF here.

This resource was created by Abigail Schmid and Kate Reilly.