South Carolina Celebrates Bat Week

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Bats might get a bad rap, but they play an important role in our ecosystem.

October 24 to 31 is officially South Carolina Bat Week, a week to highlight the story of the role of bats in our state.

Check out the following bat events throughout South Carolina.

Counting on Bats

October 18
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Hampton Plantation State Historic Park
1950 Rutledge Road, McClellanville

This is a free ranger-led talk about why bats are so important to our ecosystem. You’ll participate in some citizen science and help do an exit count of the Rafinesque’s big eared bats. The talk begins at 5:30 and the bats begin emerging around 6 pm.
Find out more here.

Bats of the Lowcountry

October 24
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Classroom in Moreland Village
655 Old Moreland Road, Bluffton

The manager for the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy will discuss the beneficial roles of bats in the Lowcountry. Learn why bats are essential components of ecosystems, threats they are facing and what you can do to help. Walk-ins welcome! If you would rather attend virtually, click on the following
link to watch through zoom: watch here!

Nocturnal Nature

October 25
5 – 9 pm
Nature as Teacher Preserve for Children
247 Chestnut Ferry Road, Camden

This is a A FREE family friendly night of spooky nature programs!
5:00-6:00 PM – Webs & Weavers
6:30-7:30 PM – Nocturnal Animals
8:00-9:00 PM – Cryptozoology
Registration required – Email Leoncic@clemson.edu

Annual Halloween Bat Count

October 25
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Sunrift, Travelers Rest

Sunrift Adventures has bat houses fostering hundreds of beneficial, insect-eating bats that emerge in an impressive display at sunset. Join the Batman of Travelers Rest, Jon Gillespie and SCDNR Bat Biologist Jennifer Kindel to survey and celebrate these mysterious creatures with a bat talk, bat count, and prizes PLUS Mac Mercedes with PAWS Animal Wildlife Sanctuary’s educational owls!
See more details here!

Nature at Night

October 25
6:30 – 8 pm
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC

Join in at Sesquicentennial State Park to find out what’s up when the sun goes down on this family-friendly night hike! Look for animal eye shine, listen for nocturnal clamors and calls and try your hand at some of the skills nighttime critters need to survive! This program is designed for ages 5 and older and adults must accompany children 15 and under.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. For questions call the park at (803) 788-2706 or email Stacey at sjensen@scprt.com.
*Please Note: This is a moderately difficult hike due to uneven terrain and low visibility. Dress appropriately for outdoors, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.
For more information visit this site.

Let’s Get Batty

October 29
6 – 7 pm
239 School Road, Daufuskie Island, SC

Lindsey Troutman, Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be teach all about bats. Learn interesting facts about bats, new information learned about them in the Lowcountry and how
to study these cryptic creatures.
No registration necessary. Non-residents of the Island welcome; transportation can be secured through private charters at participants own discretion.

Bat Chat

October 30
1 – 1:30
Bat Chat Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center
4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach

Using a batty costume, sounds, and illustrations, swoop into the fascinating world of bats as you learn what makes them so beneficial and amazing! Program is free with park admission. Meet in the nature center.