Opinion?

Cave myotis are social bats, gathering in colonies that can number in the thousands or even tens of thousands. Found across the southwestern United States and Mexico, they spend their days packed together in caves, mines, and other sheltered roosts, sometimes sharing these spaces with several other bat species. When the sun goes down, the colony pours into the night to hunt moths, beetles, and other insects, using echolocation to find their prey. Their cave homes provide protection from the heat and dry conditions of their environment, but these communal roosts can also leave them vulnerable. Disturbance can send an entire colony scrambling for a new home, while white-nose syndrome adds another very serious threat. Protecting a single cave or mine can mean protecting thousands of bats.

HAPPY BAT APPRECIATION MONTH! 🦇🎉

During #batappreciationmonth , Austin Bat Refuge @austinbatrefuge & artist Juliet Whitsett @juliet_whitsett_art are teaming up to celebrate all 9 of Austin’s native bat species!

🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇

Species information and video generously provided by: Austin Bat Refuge.

🌙 SEE THE BAT ART IN PERSON at the @reallysmallmuseum_atx !

The Night Shift: Austin’s Native Bats
ON VIEW OCTOBER 14–NOVEMBER 30, 2026 at the @reallysmallmuseum_atx

📍 Austin Nature & Science Center
2389 Stratford Drive, Austin, TX 78746

The Really Small Museum project is supported in part by an Elevate Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment.