About Bats Northwest
Press Kit
There is also a press kit with information about Bats Northwest.
History and Purpose
In March, 1996, thirty-three dedicated bat lovers, including biologists, zoologists, medical researchers, forestry experts, educators, zoo personnel and interested citizens, formed Bats Northwest, a grassroots organization devoted to the study and preservation of bats in the Pacific Northwest through conservation, education and research. We were incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Washington State, and have been accorded non-profit status as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
We are dedicated to a number of tasks:
- To educate the public through use of age-specific curricula, slide shows, public lectures, our newsletter and other media, so that others will come to understand the importance, uniqueness and beauty of these remarkable animals.
- To conduct research and support the research of other biologists who are studying bats, their habits, their habitats, and their contribution to the ecosystem.
- To extend our public discourse to ensure the preservation, not only of bat species, but of vital bat habitat, throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
- To work in coalition with groups like Bat Conservation International, other environmental groups, bat rehabilitators, universities, and the agricultural community to educate the public about bats as a source of natural insect control.
- To serve as a clearinghouse to the public, the media, educational institutions, the pest control industry, veterinarians, and scientists for information about bats, bats conservation, and other concerns related to bats.
- To work to protect bat populations by teaching safe means of excluding bats from homes and public places, educating the public about the importance of maintaining caves and mines as nurseries for new bats, and placing bat friendly gates on mines and caves to ensure these places will continue to serve as home, nursery and haven for our Northwest bats.