Bats come out at night in the skies around Pipe Spring National Monument in Arizona, so it's only natural for the monument staff to offer you programs on those creatures of the night.

Bat programs are scheduled at the monument for July 10 at 7:30 p.m. AZ (8:30 p.m. MT) and August 9 at 7 p.m. AZ (8 MT).

Pipe Spring has been monitoring the bat population at the monument for over 10 years. Monitoring efforts during the last two years have utilized the expertise of Dr. John Taylor of Southern Utah University.

In cooperation with the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, a study was conducted to provide critical information about the bat species that use Pipe Spring National Monument and the surrounding Kaibab Indian Reservation. The study looked at spatial and temporal bat activity, such as migration patterns and distribution across the Monument and the Reservation.

During the programs you'll be able to see bats up close and learn about the latest technology for analyzing bat sonar to identify the different species. Bring a lawn chair, flashlight, bug spray, and water to drink. Come out early (6 p.m. AZ, 7 p.m. MT) and visit the Pipe Spring National Monument Visitor Center and Museum.

Regular entrance fees will apply -- $5 per person 16 and older (younger are free). Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes are accepted and sold at Pipe Spring. Pipe Spring National Monument is 15 miles west of Fredonia, Arizona, on AZ 389, or 45 miles east of Hurricane, Utah, on UT 59 and AZ 389.