Leaf-nosed bat - North America Photo Credit: Merlin D. Tuttle Bat Conservation International

Mysterious creatures of the night, souls of the dead, witches' familiars.... Bats have been regarded by man as dangerous and supernaturally powerful for many, many centuries. Fortunately, through the work of Bat Conservation International, other organizations, and devoted individuals, the public is becoming educated about these gentle mammals. Truly marvelous in their ability to locate objects using echolocation, and vital to ecosystems, bats are now getting some much deserved protection and attention.

What better time to learn more about bats and bat-watching than the season so closely associated with them — Halloween? GORP is pleased to present Barbara French, Bat Conservation International's Conservation Information Specialist, who will serve as our special forum guest from October 23 through November 13.

Join Barbara on the GORP Forum to ask the best places and methods to view bats. She's also an expert in bat conservation and rehabilitation, so find out what you can do to protect these wild animals that bring so many benefits to humans.

Want to see some bats up close and personal? GORP presents a sampling of places to view bats, from Bat Conservation International's new publication, The Vacationer's Guide to Bat-Watching.

To learn more about bats, read Barbara's "Song of the Mexican Free-Tail" in which she describes the important, previously undocumented discovery she made about bat behavior — and learn what it's like to care for a captive colony of unreleasable bats. Talk about an unusual family!

Bats are fascinating, and recognition of their importance is growing every day. Perhaps one day soon, their undeserved image as scary, disease-carrying hair-tanglers will be fade away forever. But let's face facts. While most outdoor enthusiasts love wildlife, everybody freaks out a little the first time they discover a bat in the living room. Barbara's excerpt from her book Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats will help by offering safe and compassionate methods for coping with the unwanted guests.