BatFest - Night of the Bat Festival in Austin, Texas

The Mexican free-tailed bat is native to the Americas. It averages about 3 ½ inches in length, and weighs less than half an ounce. It ranges in color from light brown to gray.

The bats live in North America during the months of March through November. When the cooler weather begins to set in, they migrate to their winter homes in Mexico and South America.

These bats eat insects, and a lot of insects at that! The Austin bat colony eats up to 15 tons of bugs each night. Their insects of choice include: mosquitoes, moths, beetles, dragonflies, house flies, wasps and ants.

• Bring a lawn chair or blanket on which to sit
• The weather will be warm, so make certain to wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Although the bats eat plenty of mosquitoes, you might want to bring along some mosquito repellant
• Ice chests are allowed, but may only be filled with ice. Drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic - are available at the festival for purchase, along with food.
• Bring your camera to take photos of the festival, bats, people and whatever other interesting sights you may see.
• Pets are allowed, as long as they are on a leash.
• And, as always, leave your weapons at home or in your vehicle.

Do you like bats? Some people might think bats are creepy, or that they suck blood. I think they are interesting creatures, and am all for honoring them at BatFest.