Conquer Your Fears Of Flying Bats On Thursday At Hammel Woods

SHOREWOOD, IL - Bats don't have the greatest reputation these days. In fact, many people are downright terrified of these flying creatures. But in less than two weeks, you'll have a chance to overcome your fears when the Forest Preserve District of Will County holds its "Bats! Bats! Bats! program at Hammel Woods in Shorewood. The event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10.

People should use the Route 59 Access for Hammel Woods. There will be a live bat presentation featuring Egyptian fruit bats and African straw-colored fruit bats, according to the Will County forest preserve.

Why should you mark this event on your calendar?

"Bats in general have gotten a pretty bad rap and many people believe that all bats carry rabies, among other things," said Erin Ecker, the interpretive naturalist who organized the event. "We plan on busting those myths and celebrating the importance of bats and their role in the local ecosystem."

Bats have been in the news around Will County as of late. Earlier this week, the Will County Health Department announced that a colony of bats were captured from a house in Lockport in the 400 block of Oak Street. In that situation, a few of those bats have tested positive for rabies.

In late May, a dead bat found in the yard of a Wilmington resident also tested positive for rabies.

Back to the Aug. 10 bat event at Hammel Woods.

It takes place is in the grove adjacent to the Shorewood Shelter. The shelter has been closed this summer for picnic rentals after a colony of bats moved into the structure. Forest Preserve workers decided that it would be far more educational to host a public awareness program here than removing the bats.

If you attend the Aug. 10 event, you'll learn about the eight different kinds of bats that live around Will County such as the hoary bat, red bat, silver-haired bat, evening bat, little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat and the big brown bat. You'll also learn how bats are great at devouring insects.

However, you plan to go, you're asked to register by Wednesday, Aug. 9 by visiting ReconnectWithNature.org or by calling 815-722-9470. You should also bring a blanket or folding chair to watch the live bat presentation that begins at 7:30 p.m. The program is open to anyone 5 or older.

Image via Paul Danko courtesy of Forest Preserve District of Will County