Bat Program Set

A live bat will be on hand at the MK Nature Center in Boise Saturday, October 23 for a kids' bat program. Wildlife educator Brenda Beckley and bat rehabilitator Beki Olsen will present a bat program at 10:30 a.m. in the Nature Center auditorium. The program is for all ages. Following the program, kids will have the optional opportunity to make a batty craft. Bat show tickets are $3 per person and batty craft tickets are $5 per child. All tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the MK Nature Center Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Space is limited for the program and for the craft session. Call 334-2225 for details. The program will include discussion of Idaho bats and other bats from around the world. Beckley and Olsen will explain the role of bats in their ecosystems and the help they provide in nature's balance including insect control, flower pollination and dispersal of seeds. They will also discuss the bats' place in myth and legend as well as the diversity of the nearly 1,000 different varieties of bats worldwide. Interesting facts such as the ability of little brown bats to consume about 1,200 insects or their own body weight each day will enliven the presentation.