Spotted bat, Euderma maculatum

Did you know that at least 14 bat species make their home on the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument? Bats navigate and find food with their very loud “shouts.” Each type of bat has its own special shout, which, despite being very loud, is not heard by humans. However, we can use special microphones to hear the bats then identify each bat by the sound it makes. Join Dr. Grant to learn about the variety of bats in the area and maybe even record some as they fly overhead to look for their insect dinners.

 Image property of Bat Conservation International and Minden Pictures, governed by this license.

Meet at the Escalante River Trailhead parking lot on Highway 12 at the bridge location just around the corner from Calf Creek campground. The bat discussion will take place in the parking lot, then we will walk to the cottonwoods to look for and listen to bats. This talk requires a walk of about a quarter mile through sandy trails along the river.

• Sturdy, comfortable shoes
• A portable chair if you want to sit
• Comfort items such as water and snacks
• Flashlight/headlamp

Dr. Jackie Grant taught biology and environmental science at Southern Utah University for 12 years before joining Grand Staircase Escalante Partners in 2024. She is the Vice President of the Utah Native Plant Society and served as the Vice President for Education and Outreach for the Society for Conservation Biology. Her expertise is in wildlife, native plants, and the Seeds of Success Protocol. Dr. Grant was a Fulbright Scholar to New Zealand in 2023, where she learned about seed preservation from an Indigenous (Māori) perspective. Jackie has surveyed for bats all across the United States and Colombia, South America!