Bats are vital to our ecosystem.
(c) Michael Durham
Helping bats in Washington State
Bats Northwest envisions a future where the essential role of bats is understood, the public recognizes the vital place of bats in our environment and economy, and where all are inspired by their remarkable and invaluable contribution to our natural heritage.
Upcoming events
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Snohomish Garden Club General Meeting
Monday, February 10 7:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Bats and gardening go hand in hand. Come join us at the Snohomish Garden Club General meeting on Monday, Feb 10th and learn about our NW Bats and how great they are for your garden, from pest control to fertilization. $15 for non Snohomish Garden Club members.
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Rainier Beach Community Center Bat Talk
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Bats Northwest at the Rainier Beach Community Center to explore the natural history, biology, and behavior of Washington's 14 bat species. We will show you how amazing these mammals are and convince you to become a bat ambassador. All ages welcome.
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Green Lake Bat Talks
We will be announcing our 2025 informational bat talks schedule at Green Lake shortly. Every year we invite you come learn about our local bat species, find out how you can help protect bats, then participate in a 30 minute bat observation for science! These programs are free and open to everyone. We will be hosting programs every other Thursday evenings July September.
Get Involved
Bats are at risk as a result of habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive species, hunting, and climate change. Bat populations could continue to decline, and without intervention, these threats could lead to species extinctions.
We have the power to help bat populations throughout Washington by working together. Join us in our mission to increase public awareness and promote a greater appreciation for bats.
White-nose syndrome
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease that affects hibernating bats and is caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or Pd for short. Pd grows in cold, dark and damp places. It attacks the bare skin of bats while they’re hibernating in a relatively inactive state. As it grows, Pd causes bats to become active more than usual and burn up fat they need to survive the winter.
Community Science
Bats Northwest conducts and supports several research efforts in Washington.
Our volunteers aid in long-term acoustic monitoring projects in the Puget Sound area to gain insights into our species and their range. Programs like Bat Activity Trends (B.A.T.) involve the public in collecting observational data on local bat activity, teaching us about the habitats that support bats.
