Out of the Night and Into the Light: The Secret World of Bats is the special Halloweeny topic of of tonight’s OMSI Science Pub at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan)
Let’s face it-bats freak a lot of people out. But much of the folklore about bats isn’t even true. In this Halloween Science Pub special we’ll explore the secret world of bats and find out what you REALLY need to be afraid of: the possible demise of our bat populations due to disease, wind turbine collisions, and global climate change.
Bats represent one of the most diverse groups of mammals and include over 1000 species. They have spectacular life histories. Did you know that female bats can get pregnant in the fall, pause gestation for months over the winter, and resume in spring once insect prey becomes available again? They provide critical ecosystem services, but are notoriously difficult to study, and we still don’t understand some basic things like where they go in the winter and whether our local Northwest populations are stable or in decline. Join us in a discussion about the secret world of bats and get the latest updates on research and conservation issues facing Oregon’s bats.
The presenter is National Park Service ecologist, and University of Idaho PhD candidate, Tom Rodhouse, who studies, pikas, and other small and hard to find cuties (charismatic microfauna!).
The science pub goes from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.
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