You are here

Home » Where Can You See Wildlife Right Now: Bats At Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Where Can You See Wildlife Right Now: Bats At Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Share

Published Date

June 30, 2011

If you have an interest in bats, head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to watch the nightly exodus of hundreds of thousands of bats from the cave as they go in search of a meal. NPS photo by Nick Hristov.

Stop by Carlsbad Caverns National Park these days around sunset and you'll be able to see not just one or two bats, but possibly as many as 400,000 as they exit the cave en masse for their nightly meal.

The bats -- Brazilian free-tails -- blast out of the cave to go off in search of insects for dinner. According to park officials, the best "flights" are seen exiting the cave during the months of July and August, when baby bats born earlier in the summer join in the dinner rush.

You also can see the bats return to the cave after their nocturnal smorgasboard, but you'll need to rise early (or stay up really late). "Early risers can see the bats as they re-enter Carlsbad Cavern with spectacular dives from heights of hundreds of feet," notes the park staff. "Individual bats diving in from every direction may reach speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) or more."

Prior to the evening bat flight, a program is given at the cavern entrance by a park ranger. The starting time of the talk varies with sunset—it is best to call the park at 575.785.3012 or check at the visitor center for the exact time. Programs may be canceled in the event of inclement weather, such as rain and/or lightning. Bat flight programs are scheduled from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. There is no charge for the bat flight program. In late October or early November, the bats migrate to Mexico for the winter; they return in April or May, depending on the weather.

Every summer the park invites the public to rise early and join park rangers in watching the bat's return flight. In 2011, the event will be held on Saturday July 16 from from 5 to 7 a.m. Breakfast is available for purchase at the Carlsbad Caverns Trading Restaurant in the Visitor Center starting at 5 a.m. Park staff offer a variety of special programs.

  

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.