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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Skagit River Bald Eagle Education Day
Saturday, February 1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Come join us at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretative Center’s Education Day on Feb 1. We will be giving a presentation on Bats of the NW, so come learn all about Bats and then enjoy an Eagle Tour to better understand the Skagit River ecosystem and winter migration of bald eagles.
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Mercer Slough World Wetland Day
Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Drop by our table at Bellevue’s Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center for the yearly celebrations of World Wetland Day. We will have bat activities and will share about our Bat efforts at the Slough. The event features fun family friendly event with activities, and guided nature walks.
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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.
