LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Nevada Department of Wildlife led members of the public on a “bat walk” earlier this month to spot the flying mammals and learn about their role in the desert ecosystem.
Lauren MacLeod, wildlife education coordinator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, used an echometer to detect bats as they emerged at dusk. The device picks up echolocation calls that bats use to navigate and find insect prey at frequencies above human hearing.
“What I just picked up was our canyon bat here,” MacLeod said. “Now it’s a matter of seeing if we can see it somewhere in the sky. They are the smallest bat in North America,” she said to the group.
MORE ON FOX5: Cougar, coyotes spotted near homes across Southern Nevada
Bats play important role in pest control
The evening began with an educational session inside Cactus Joe’s Nursery near Blue Diamond.
“The more that we know about the bats that share our habitat with us, the more that we can care about them,” MacLeod said. “They get a pretty bad reputation. They’re rabies vector species, so it’s always good to use caution, especially if you have direct contact with bats. But they’re not these scary vampires that will suck your blood and chase you or get tangled in your hair.”
There are 23 species of bats in Nevada, and the majority prefer the southern part of the state.
“The bats out here are focused on helping keep the mosquitoes down around us,” MacLeod said. “And so they’re really effective pest control.”
The bats have adapted to the Las Vegas environment. MacLeod said the Luxor light creates a unique bat ecosystem because insects flock to it.
During the walk, MacLeod detected a western mastiff bat, the largest bat in North America.
“I knew like that there were bats, but it never really occurred to me that I could just like go outside and sit and wait and watch them,” said Lisa Weidman, a bat walk participant.
Bats peak in activity in southern Nevada during the summer months.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering other upcoming wildlife discovery programs:
Schedule:
June 18, 2026 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Program:
Wildlife Discovery
Location:
6711 North Buffalo Drive Las Vegas, NV 89131
About this Event:
Have you ever seen a coyote strolling through your neighborhood? Has a duck turned your backyard into its new home? Join us at the Centennial Hills Library to learn how we can exist with our wild neighbors. We will learn what to do if you find a baby bird on the sidewalk, how to discourage wildlife from getting too cozy in your yard, and more. Registration is not required to attend this event.
Schedule:
June 18, 2026 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Program:
Wildlife Discovery
Location:
255 S. Nevada St Searchlight, NV 89046
About this Event:
Stop by the Nevada Department of Wildlife table during Searchlight’s Summer Celebration event! More information on this event here: No registration required.
Event Description:Join the Searchlight Library at the town park for a fun day featuring a splash pad, snacks like ice cream and root beer floats, and STEAM activities from the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum & PBS KIDS.
Unearth fascinating facts about the local land with our pals from the Bureau of Land Management and Nevada Department of Wildlife. Get your face painted, dive into games fit for all ages, Get your face painted, dive into games fit for all ages, and don’t miss out on raffle prizes and book giveaways for everyone! This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. For more information, call 702.507.4313
Schedule:
June 28, 2026 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Program:
Wildlife Discovery
Location:
401 Ville Dr Boulder City, NV 89005
About this Event:
Stop by the park to chat with the Nevada Department of Wildlife about our State Mammal! Learn about the behavior and conservation needs of the Desert Bighorn Sheep and discover the history behind the local herd found at our community park. Look for our table at Hemenway Park in Boulder City between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
We will have binoculars available for use to catch a closer glimpse of these frequent visitors to the park, but there is no guarantee they will be there when we are (after all, they are wild animals!). No registration required. Please contact Lauren MacLeod with questions.
2026 Dates: June 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
