Bats Count!
Observe a live big brown bat colony at White Memorial Conservation Center through the Bats Count! Bat Cam
The CT DEEP Wildlife Division and White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield are working together to establish a "Bat Cam" in a barn at White Memorial where female big brown bats give birth to and raise their young every year. Join us as we share videos, images, updates, and data from this long-established maternity colony and also celebrate bats through several public events focused on bats and the Bat Cam.
The Bat Cam has been installed, just in time for the big brown bats to emerge from their hibernacula and take up residence in the barn. It provides a sneak peek into the amazing life of bats without disturbing them.
See a sneak peak of the Bat Cam on Facebook!
You can stay tuned to this webpage for updates on the bats and Bat Cam, as well as to DEEP's CT Fish and Wildlife Facebook page and the White Memorial Conservation Center website. Sign up for the DEEP Wildlife Division's monthly electronic newsletter, Wildlife Highlights, to learn about events, activities, and other important Bat Cam news.
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The barn at White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield where the Bats Count! Bat Cam is installed.
SAVE THE DATE for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
Friday, June 16, 2023 -- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Bat Cam at White Memorial Conservation Center
Time: 4:00 - 9:30 PM
Attend this evening ceremony as we unveil the Bat Cam and meet the bats that call White Memorial Conservation Center home. Have the opportunity to watch the bats fly from the barn at dusk as they embark on their nightly feeding frenzy. Bat experts will be on hand and fun activities are planned.
Schedule of Activities for the Bats Count! Bat Cam Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Pre-registration is recommended for this family-friendly FREE event.
The “Bat Cam” project is being partially funded through the Endangered Species, Natural Area Preserves, and Watchable Wildlife Fund (listed as “Endangered Species/Wildlife” on your tax form) to provide a watchable wildlife opportunity. Find out how you can donate and learn more about projects supported by this Fund.
Batty About Bats
Connecticut is home to nine different bat species – three of them are considered tree bats and the rest are called “cave” bats because they hibernate during the winter, often in caves or mines. Cave bats have been impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungus that has reduced many of our once abundant species to the point where all but one – the big brown bat – have been listed as state endangered and two are also protected under the federal endangered species act. Although the big brown bat remains common in our state, it is still listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan and remains a focus of monitoring and conservation planning. The Bats Count! Bat Cam is one monitoring tool that will give biologists a window into the life and activities of an active big brown bat maternity colony, while also providing the opportunity for students and others to follow along and learn about this amazing species.
"Hanging" with Bats
There is so much to learn about bats and how you can help them. Check out the following resources for interesting natural history information, how to build a bat house, descriptions of Wildlife Division research and monitoring efforts, and so much more.
Bat Fact Sheet (includes plans on how to build a bat house) (PDF version)
Living with Bats (advice if you have bats living in your house or outbuildings)
Teaching About Bats (A resource for educators and parents to teach children about bats)
White-nose Syndrome Response Team
Bat Week, an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature (October 24-31)
Bat Conservation International, an international nongovernmental organization working to conserve the world's bats and their habitats through conservation, education, and research efforts.
Bat-tastic Activities for Kids and Families
Learn about bat houses and get tips on installing a bat house in your yard from this video posted on the CT Fish and Wildlife Facebook page.
Batty About Bats webpage
Bat Bingo: Families can try to make a "bingo" with this fun activity about bats!
Learn about echolocation while playing the Bat and Moth Game.
Just for Kids Activity and Coloring Page
Creature Crafts: Toilet Paper Tube Bat (YouTube video) -- Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife outreach staff member Gabby DeMeillon shares some info about bat conservation and demonstrates how to make a simple bat craft out of a toilet paper tube!
7 Best Recipes for Appreciating Bats! Bats, especially many found in deserts and the Tropics, are important pollinators. Here are 7 recipes (plus one just for adults) using bat-pollinated plants. The bat-pollinated food is shown in italics.
Content last updated in May 2023.