10/16/2026
Did You Know?
A single bat can consume 3,000 insects in one night.
Bats are the only mammals that are capable of flight.
Illinois is home to thirteen species of bats. They are all small, winged mammals, most weighing less than one ounce. The head and body are covered with fur, and the wings are constructed of hairless membranes (patagia) that connect the hind legs, body, and long forelimbs. The wing membranes extend over the four fingers, but the clawed thumb remains free. Another membrane connects the small hind legs to the tail.
All of Illinois’ bats are insectivorous. Since they hunt insects, they have a plentiful food resource during spring and summer. However, as cooler weather sets in, bats must either migrate to warmer areas where they can continue to find food or find a place where they can hibernate over the winter to conserve their energy.
Join us for an evening of learning from your couch as Lauren teaches about bats.
