Bats turn into Vampires at night.  If you get bit by a bat, you’ll get rabies. Bats are just flying mice.  Actually, none of these myths about bats are true.  You can find out more about bats at WSU Vancouver in Salmon Creek on Halloween (I don’t think they could have picked a better day for a class about vampires…er, I mean, bats!)

“VANCOUVER, Wash. – Christine Portfors, associate professor of biology at Washington State University Vancouver, and Peter Ritson, instructor of chemistry at Clark College will give their seventh annual presentation on bats Oct. 31, from 2 – 4 p.m. in Administration building, room 110. The event is free and open to the public. It’s an ideal activity for families with children 4 to 12 years old.

At a time of year when bats are often portrayed as blood-sucking, vicious animals, local families have an opportunity to see live bats up close, and learn why bats are largely misunderstood. In addition to teaching the visitors about bats, Portfors and Ritson will read a short story and lead the group in making bat crafts.

In the presentation, Portfors dispels popular folklore and teaches about the beneficial role bats play in nature managing insect pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. She shows pictures of different bats, as well as a few of her captive tropical fruit bats.

“Many people want to get rid of bats and consequently, certain species are becoming endangered,” she said. “These misunderstood animals need to be understood in order to protect them. My role as a scientist is to help educate the public about their importance, and kids especially have a lot of fun coming to see the live bats.”

Portfors is a biologist and neurobiologist who has studied bats in the wild and in the lab for more than 15 years. For more information about her research, visit her website, “The Bat Lab,” at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/portfors/portfors_home.html

WSU Vancouver is celebrating 20 years of bringing quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington. The campus is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. WSU Vancouver offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at www.vancouver.wsu.edu “

via Discover the Unspooky Side of Bats on Halloween at WSU Vancouver – WSU Vancouver Press Releases.