2024 Ohio Bat Blitz – Summary
On August 23-24, Ashtabula County welcomed 80 bat biologist and enthusiasts to survey bat populations in the Grand River lowlands. After two long nights, lots of mosquitoes, several flying squirrels, and a few birds, these dedicated and persistent teams caught 22 bats of two different species – Eastern red bats and big brown bats. In addition, The Grand River Conservation Campus hosted two nights of bat-related education, attended by 130 people.
Eastern red bats (left) and big brown bats (middle) were the two species caught during the blitz this year. Mist net sets across roads stretch from the ground to the tree canopy in order to capture bats (right).
This is the second bat blitz for Ohio; the first was in 2022, hosted by Five Rivers MetroParks. The Ohio Bat Working Group coordinates the blitzes, which occur bi-annually around the state. This year’s blitz was hosted by The Nature Conservancy, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Additional partners involved were the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Ashtabula County Metroparks, and The Ohio State University Extension. Many generous individuals and organizations sponsored the event, which could not have taken place without their support. Please see HERE for this year’s blitz sponsors. Huge thanks to all our hosts, partners, and sponsors!!
So what is a Bat Blitz?? Bat blitzes aim to survey areas where data on bat populations is lacking. They also aim to teach young professionals and students how to use a mist net to capture bats. Mist net teams are led by qualified, permitted biologists with experience and expertise in catching bats. Once bats are removed from the mist net, data like age, sex, and species is collected, before the bat is released. In addition to valuable information about species present in the area, bat blitzes also provide the opportunity for educational and outreach events. This year’s blitz offered a nocturnal animal program, two bat house building workshops, a moth lighting program, a mist netting demonstration, and displays staffed by experts on coexisting with bats, building bat gardens, and bat echolocation. Attendees left with information on the importance of protecting bat habitat and the issues facing Ohio’s bat species.
A southern flying squirrel caught in a mist net (left), a nocturnal animals program (middle), and the bat house building program (right).
The next bat blitz will be 2026. Planning has yet to begin, but when it starts, information will be shared on here!
~Marne Titchenell
Ohio Bat Blitz History
2022 First Ohio Bat Blitz Summary