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Lesson goes beyond library books

Experts show how bats fit into the natural order of things and dispel some of the creepier myths at library event.

By MICHELE MILLER
Published July 14, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - They are mammals that fly with their hands and can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.

They reside in caves, trees, in the inner curve of dead palm fronds and on occasion, in attics and belfries.

Some American types have bodies no bigger than a small mouse. The largest, that live in Africa, display a 6-foot wing span.

There are those that sport a Mohawk-like hairdo when trying to attract a mate; others have long faces like a dog or a fox - hence the nickname "flying foxes."

On a good night, the insect-eating variety will devour up to 3,000 bugs, making them a desirable part of a healthy eco-system. Others live on fruit or pollen from various flowers. Then there's the dreaded vampire kind that are found in Central and South America and prefer the blood of cows or chickens.

They have incredible hearing - keen enough to distinguish the sound of a scorpion crawling at night across the desert floor. Contrary to popular belief, they also have good eyesight.

They make high-frequency chirping noises that can only be detected by humans by using a special bat detector.

They sleep during the day and can be very shy - especially when surrounded by a bunch of kids and grown-ups craning their necks to get a better look.

Tuesday, a few - four to be exact - were on hand at the New Port Richey Library for a special Live Bats program presented by George and Cyndi Marks of Bay Pines.

The educational presentation was just part of the New Port Richey City Library's "Read Around Florida" youth summer reading program that so far has featured reptiles, jugglers and a magician and promises more entertainment in the weeks to come from real warthogs and a live Florida panther.

Youngsters, of course, are also encouraged to peruse the book shelves and are rewarded with prizes for logging the time they spend reading, said new youth librarian Margaret Shatswell.

"We've been really busy this summer. It's been great," said Shatswell, adding that about 400 people showed up for a presentation about Homosassa Springs State Park. "And a lot of kids are reading a lot of books.

Last week, the bats had kids and adults showing up at least a half hour early for a front-row seat.

"I'm so excited, " said Mary Villa, 56, who came to see the bats with her daughter, Sarah Martin, 24, and two granddaughters, Mia Kratzer, 7, and Meadow Belden, 3. "I've never seen anything like this before."

Neither did the Markses - until 15 years ago when Cyndi Marks came across a small article in Audubon magazine that asked the question, "How much do you know about bats?"

Turned out, not much.

Before long, the two were learning a lot, attending workshops at the Bat Conservation International in Austin, Texas. She furthered her bat knowledge at workshops held in Canada. In 1994, the couple founded the nonprofit Florida Bat Center, recently renamed the Florida Bat Conservancy.

Now their days and nights are spent studying the flying mammals, helping people humanely extricate bats from buildings and teaching them how to make their own bat houses. They also have worked with staff at the University of Florida that boasts, Cyndi Marks said, the most famous bat house in the world.

Then there are rumors to dispel - the kind that had Phoenix Hansen, 11, keeping a safe distance in the back. "I just don't want to see them fly," he said. "That would be a little freaky."

But bats are nothing to be afraid of.

"It's not fair for people to be killing bats with brooms, " said George Marks, adding that they don't chew their way into attics as squirrels do, but they are opportunistic nesters. And while rabies can be a concern as it is with other wildlife, bats don't usually bite unless it's in self-defense.

So the Markses go about the business of educating others and introducing a few to those who dare to sit up close.

"Oh, look at him. He's so adorable," said 8-year-old Hayley Higgins as Cyndi Marks made her way through rows of children holding a tiny Evening Bat that had been rescued and could no longer survive in the wild.

"We love coming here for these events," said Georgia Robinson, 75, who was enjoying the presentation with her husband, George, 72, and their two grandchildren, Cameron Moore, 9, and his sister, Bella, 6.

"We always come here when the kids are visiting. But I'm going to come by myself. To heck with the kids. I think we can learn a lot from these programs."

Michele Miller can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6251 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6251. Her e-mail is miller@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 13, 2006, 22:48:40]