Bats are vital to our ecosystem.
(c) Michael Durham
Helping bats in Washington State
Bats Northwest envisions a future where the essential role of bats is understood, the public recognizes the vital place of bats in our environment and economy, and where all are inspired by their remarkable and invaluable contribution to our natural heritage.
Upcoming events
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All About Bats Online Event
Thursday, November 6
4:00PM — 5:00PMSno-Isle Libraries registration is now open for their online presentation All About Bats Event, with Bats Northwest Board President, eaducator and Naturalist Niki Desautels. Registeration is required for this event, so register today!
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Bat Week 2025 "Invisible Mammal"
Special Event!
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
7:00PM — 9:00PMIn honor of Bat Week,
Bats Northwest & Woodland Park Zoo are proud to be hosting a screening of:
“Invisible Mammal”
—
a documentary about bats
and the people who work to save them.Limited Event!
Get tickets now!
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Bats Nortwest Volunteers
Do you love bats? Join us as a volunteer to continue to help educate the public at our events or help behind the scenes. We have many opportunities!
Get Involved
Bats are at risk as a result of habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive species, hunting, and climate change. Bat populations could continue to decline, and without intervention, these threats could lead to species extinctions.
We have the power to help bat populations throughout Washington by working together. Join us in our mission to increase public awareness and promote a greater appreciation for bats.
White-nose syndrome
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease that affects hibernating bats and is caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or Pd for short. Pd grows in cold, dark and damp places. It attacks the bare skin of bats while they’re hibernating in a relatively inactive state. As it grows, Pd causes bats to become active more than usual and burn up fat they need to survive the winter.
Community Science
Bats Northwest conducts and supports several research efforts in Washington.
Our volunteers aid in long-term acoustic monitoring projects in the Puget Sound area to gain insights into our species and their range. Programs like Bat Activity Trends (B.A.T.) involve the public in collecting observational data on local bat activity, teaching us about the habitats that support bats.
