As part of a new initiative in the South Okanagan, the RDOS is working with the BC Community Bat Program (CBP) to raise awareness about bats and work towards becoming the first Regional District certified as a Bat-Friendly Community. This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from the South Okanagan Conservation Fund, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and the BC Conservation Foundation.

Why bats matter
Bats are remarkable creatures that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our natural world and economy. Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. They hibernate like bears, echolocate like dolphins, and hang upside down without passing out.

In British Columbia, there are at least 15 species of bats, all of which contribute to:

• Natural pest control by consuming mosquitoes and agricultural pests
• Nutrient cycling between aquatic and upland environments
• Cultural significance, inspiring characters like Batman, Dracula, and the Count from Sesame Street

Challenges facing bats
Despite their importance, bats face serious threats:

• Low reproductive rates: most BC species give birth to only one pup per year
• Habitat loss, such as the destruction of old buildings and the loss of wetlands
• Decreased food source: insect population declines due to pesticides
• Increased mortality due to cats, persecution by humans, and wind turbines
• White-nose Syndrome, a deadly fungal disease, is now present in Alberta and Washington
• Half of BC’s bat species are listed as at risk

How you can help
Residents can support bats by:

• Learning to coexist safely with bats
• Remembering to never touch a bat (rabies is extremely rare and preventable) 
• Following best practices when bats are found in homes, barns, or buildings
• Planting bat-friendly gardens, keeping cats under control, and using organic options for lawns and gardens
• Reducing light and noise pollution at night to protect bats’ echolocation abilities
• Preventing the spread of White-nose Syndrome by following decontamination protocols when entering caves or travelling long distances
• Report dead bats in winter (November 1 to May 31) to help monitor for White-nose Syndrome. Contact the BC Community Bat Program at bcbats.ca, 1-855-922-2287 ext.13, okanagan@bcbats.ca.

Educational resources:

• Visit the Okanagan Regional Library to sign out the Bat Pack
• Teachers can access the Bat Edukit at the Osoyoos Desert Centre or Penticton Museum and Archives, which includes curriculum-based activities, props, and taxidermy specimens
• To learn more about bats and Bat Week 2025, visit bcbats.ca and batweek.org.

The RDOS encourages all residents to learn more about bats and take part in Bat Week 2025. Together, we can help protect these fascinating creatures and the ecosystems they support.