The Brief
- Local bat populations are getting attention in the Phoenix area due to a recent mosquito surge ahead of Halloween.
- The Mexican free-tailed bats living in the Phoenix Bat Cave primarily eat larger prey, but California leaf-nosed bats found in a Peoria mine are known for targeting mosquitoes.
- Wildlife experts are encouraging people to view bats as helpful predators for insect control, not as something to be afraid of.
PHOENIX – Over the last few weeks, there has been a mosquito explosion in the Valley. But days before Halloween, a hunt was on for one of the only true predators of mosquitoes: the bats.
Local perspective:
Along a trail in Peoria, inside, and sometimes outside, bats can be seen flying around. They’re nature’s most misunderstood flying mammal, but they’re a big help right now when we need them most.…