Community members build houses for bats

MISSOULA — It’s National Bat Week, and in recognition, some community members have come together to build bat houses to provide habitat for these animals that are vital to our ecosystem.

“They are all around us, but sometimes we don’t see them. And I think I really like the idea of ​​helping people appreciate an animal that is so underappreciated,” said Eliza Lindley, an American Corp member who works for the National Wildlife Foundation.

In total, Montana is home to 15 different species of bats, all of which play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem.

“They are pollinators. They fight insects, they are amazing. They’re just cool animals and we want everyone to appreciate them as much as we do,” Lindley added.

Bats provide significant insect and pest control in Montana, helping prevent agricultural damage and loss by eating crop-eating insects.

“There are actually a lot of bats in the city, but they are very hard to see because they mostly come out at night,” said Kyle Watson, Titley Scientific’s U.S. representative.

Building wooden bat houses helps provide habitat for bats in our area as they are currently facing habitat loss.

“Many of the species that live in Montana are going to roost in these areas or in habitats that mimic tree bark. And the more habitat bats have, the more likely they are to thrive in that area,” Watson explained.