A bat seminar will be held on July 13 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the DWR Springville Office. Attendees will hear an informative presentation about bats before going to the back patio where a netting survey will take place, according to Faith Jolley, DWR public information and community outreach coordinator.

Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns for the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own. Participants are also encouraged to bring a small flashlight or headlamp because it will be dark, according to Jolley.

While the event is free, participants are encouraged to register in advance on Eventbrite.

While Utah’s greatest diversity of bat species is found in the southern part of the state, DWR biologists conduct statewide surveys to learn more about the different species, where they are located throughout Utah and how their populations are doing.

“Bats are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem,” DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Scott Root said in a press release. “They are often misunderstood, and sometimes feared, when they don’t need to be. We are excited to provide more information about these unique animals and hopefully the chance to see them up close at our upcoming event.”

During these surveys, biologists use special nets — often placed near the water — to snare bats as they swoop down to eat insects, Jolley noted. Biologists then detangle the bats from the nets, identify the species, gather other health information and release them back into the wild. At the upcoming event, members of the public will have the opportunity to take a close look at the bats before they are released.