PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 18, 2026
Oct. 24 marks the beginning of International Bat Appreciation Week, which was founded by a coalition of conservation organizations and government agencies across North America. It taps into this moment when bats are already on our minds to help educate the public about these incredible and ecologically important animals. Maine is home to eight species of bats. Yet they face serious threats. Chief among them is white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease first documented in Maine in 2011. Habitat loss adds to the pressure on these populations, making the preservation of natural lands paramount. How can you help these ecologically valuable creatures? Put up a bat house, plant a native, pollinator-friendly garden and avoid disturbing hibernating bats by steering clear of caves and mines in the winter. And share what you’ve learned about bats to help correct misinformation. ~ Ethan Gilardi, Biodiversity Research Institute