Birdwatching is cool and all, but have you ever heard of bat watching? The world's largest bat colony is in Texas at Bracken Bat Cave near San Antonio. During the summer months, you'll be able to see the Mexican free-tailed bats firsthand. To learn all about what makes the world's largest bat colony in Texas such a neat thing to see, take a look below.
On the northern outskirts of San Antonio lies Bracken Cave, which, at first glance, doesn't look like anything too out of the ordinary.
Those familiar with the area, however, know that the world's largest bat colony makes its summer home in the depths of this rocky outcropping.
Mating season, which runs from March to October, attracts more than 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats to the area each year.
Temperatures get up to about 104 degrees in the cave, so it serves as a perfect incubator.
Like clockwork, the bats emerge from the cave at dusk on summer nights in search of food.
The sound of millions of wings flapping in unison fills the air as the creatures blanket the skies looking for bugs to eat. Collectively, the bats chow down on about 140 tons of flying beetles, winged ants, and moths every single night.
If you want to see the spectacle firsthand, Bat Conservation International holds "Member Nights" in the summer.
Joining is easy!
The sheer number of bats makes it hard to discern where the swarm ends and the sky begins.
Although your eyes may deceive you at times, the noise is unmistakable. It's akin to steady rainfall, and the colony is also visible on weather radars.
Animal enthusiasts of all ages are sure to have a blast learning all about these unique creatures.
If you're lucky, a staff member might even let you get up close and personal with one of the bats.
The schedule for Member Nights typically comes out in early spring on the Bat Conservation International website.
We'll be waiting with bated breath!
Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife and Bat Conservation International websites to learn more.
Have you ever attended a Member Night at Bracken Bat Cave? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out our previous article for more caves in Texas whose rock walls harbor fascinating secrets.
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