KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A new house at Ijams Nature Center is hoping to draw in more than 100,000 guests every night, and they are holding a housewarming party to celebrate its completion.
On Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m., Ijams is holding a program to showcase its new bat house, which was designed to host more than 100,000 Mexican free‑tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) once the colony is fully established. The 10’ x 12’ structure was created to meet the needs of this species and has multiple roosting chambers with rough interior surfaces for the bats to grip.
Savannah Bananas to play at Neyland Stadium in 2026
During the program, attendees will take a guided walk to the bat house, which is above the lime kilns at Mead’s Quarry. This site was chosen for its proximity to water, abundant insect life, and relative seclusion from disturbance.
At the house, Dr. Gary McCracken, UT professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and bat researcher, will share more about the bats and how this project is beneficial to the community. McCracken worked with Ijams Conservation Director Ben Nanny, other Ijams staff and volunteers, and a crew from Knox County Parks & Recreation to design and build the bat house…