South Dakota Bat Working Group
Last update 2/2008
Myths and stereotypes-Most things that people "know" about bats are not true. They are not flying mice, nor are they blind, nor will they attack humans. They are warm-blooded, furry, and nurse their young with milk. Bats are critical components in a balanced ecosystem. They are unmatched predators of night-flying insects (many are human pests). In turn, bats are important prey for owls thereby providing an important link in the food-web. Whole ecosystems may depend on their existence, e.g., the Lesser Long-nosed bat is the sole pollinator of Saguaro cacti that in turn provide food and shelter for many other species. In rainforests, bats are responsible for 95% of the seed dispersal that is critical for reforestation. Besides pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control, bats have other benefits. Bat guano provides fertilizer, chemicals, and jobs in many parts of the world.
Educational Events & Resources in South DakotaBat Awareness Week:
During the second week in August (each year)
bat educational events are scheduled throughout the State.
Contact the following for further information
Brad Phillips / bjphillips@fs.fed.us
Chad Tussing / Chad.Tussing@state.sd.us
Acro-BATS of the Night' Poster
SD Game, Fish and Parks has published a colorful poster that can also function as a book cover that depicts four species of bat found in the state. For ordering information, contact: Eileen.DowdStukel@state.sd.us
Acro-BATS of the Night' Activity Booklet
SD Game, Fish and Parks has published an activity Booklet which includes games, quizzes, and other bat information. For ordering information contact: Eileen.DowdStukel@state.sd.us
Educational Bat Trunks
SD Game, Fish and Parks has also developed an 'Educational Bat Trunk' that contains educational information including books, video tapes, displays (such as a real, mounted bat skeleton), educational exercises, games, and hand puppets for use in the school system. The trunk can be loaned to teachers throughout the state.
For loan information and availability, contact
SD GFP / laurie.root@state.sd.us / 605-394-2391
Outdoor Campus / kay.gannon@state.sd.us / 605-362-2721
School Programs in the Black Hills
Multimedia programs on bats are available to classrooms in the Black Hills area. Programs are available for all age groups and include slide presentation, recordings of bat echolocation calls, and (when available), live non-releasable bats. These programs are provided as a community service and are free of charge. For additional information or to schedule a program, contact:
Joel Tigner 605-721-4564 / Batworks@rushmore.com
SD GFP 605-394-2391 / laurie.root@state.sd.us
Bat Conservation International
This private, non-profit organization dedicated to bat conservation, has many educational resources for all ages.
Report all dead links/images to
Scott_Pedersen@SDSTATE.edu