10/29/2026
Happy Bat Week! Did you know Nebraska is home to 13 amazing bat species—all of them insect-eaters? A single bat can devour 600–1,200 mosquitoes in just one hour! 🦇
Bats from the Myotis genus have been around for 27 million years, but their tiny, delicate bones mean we rarely find their fossils. These nighttime heroes do more than just eat mosquitoes—they also help farmers by munching on moths and beetles. All the bats in the Niobrara valley, including the one pictured, are from the Vesper family- coming out at dusk to eat.
Some bats hibernate, others migrate, and they can be found roosting in caves, trees, or even buildings. Bats are vital to healthy ecosystems and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Let’s celebrate these fascinating, misunderstood creatures and the important role they play in our world. Go bats!
NPS photo / Western Small-footed Myotis Bat
