Staff member Marilyn Kitchell helps set up mist nets.

Intern Mike Whitby removes a bat from the mist net.

Field crews record bat measurements following capture.

The distinctive keels of an Indiana bat are clearly visible.

The Friends of Great Swamp NWR hosted a second annual Bat Event on "Friday the 13th",  June 2008.  Fifty-nine attendees helped set up mist nets used to capture bats. Participants also enjoyed a barbecue dinner hosted by the Friends and listened to a presentation on the endangered Indiana bat research by staff member Marilyn Kitchell.  Participants then helped graduate student Lindsey Wight (William Paterson University), interns and staff to conduct a mist-net survey in the management area.  Within an hour 6 bats of three species had been captured, including big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) and an Indiana bat (M. sodalis).  Attendees learned the differences between each species and watched as measurements were taken and bands were placed on each animal.  Those who stayed late witnessed the placement of a transmitter and tracking of an Indiana bat.  The popular event provided a rare opportunity for hands-on learning about these oft-misunderstood creatures of the night.