The Land Trust of North Alabama will sponsor a bat watch at Sauta Cave in Jackson County, Ala., on Tuesday, and Chattanooga Nature Center is accepting reservations for a similar outing to Nickajack Cave in Marion County, Tenn., on July 15.
In both locations during June, July and August, bats can be seen for about an hour at dusk, emerging to feed.
Both outings involve walks to viewing platforms. Flashlights and comfortable shoes are recommended.
* Sauta Cave, formerly known as Blowing Wind Cave, is believed to be the largest roosting colony of gray bats east of the Mississippi, with an estimated quarter million using it as a summer roosting site.
State wildlife biologist Keith Hudson will share the latest facts and figures on the colony.
The driveway to Sauta Cave (closed to cars) is just past mile marker 131 on Highway 72 going east toward Scottsboro. Participants should park on the shoulder and walk to the observation platform.
Reservations are not required, but you may call 256-534-5263 for more information.
* Nickajack Cave is home to more than 60,000 endangered gray bats.
The Nature Center's Bat Watch will start with a PowerPoint presentation at 7:15 p.m. that Friday. Then participants will caravan to the cave and walk to the viewing platform.
Space is limited for this popular program. Advance registration and payment are required. Cost for members is $7 adults, $3.50 children 4-11. Nonmembers pay $10 and $5.
Call 821-1160, ext. 0, to register.