Pacific Crest Trail Progress:
Total Distance Traveled: 1698 miles
Total Time on Trail: 110 Days
Trail Tales
When the sun starts to go down and it’s almost time to stop hiking for the day, Wampus and I get excited to see our good friends, the bats! Bats are extremely interesting trail creatures… and not only because they eat mosquitoes (some of our worst enemies on the trail). We recently spoke with our good friend about one particular type of bat that seems to be following us up the trail. Meet the Hoary Bat!
-Zen
Wild Things of the PCT
HOARY BAT (Lasiurus cinereus)
- Only about 3% of bat species migrate, the hoary bat being one of them
This species may travel more than 4,000 miles as it migrates back and forth across North America
- Although it has a wingspan of about 15 inches, the hoary bat weighs on average only 1 ounce (20-35 grams)
- This bat is named for its frosted (hoary), white-tipped fur
- Although it mainly feeds on moths, the hoary bat may feed on other insects,and even smaller species bats!
- Bats use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate during nighttime flight
Hawai’ian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)
- This bat is the only land mammal endemic (native) to the Hawai’ian islands, known locally as ōpeʻapeʻa
- Although Hoary bats are widespread across the U.S., this sub-species is currently listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act
Next Week’s Adventure
Join Wampus Cat and Zen next week as they hike father into the Cascades of Oregon. They will be passing over many volcanoes as they progress along this part of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, featuring the Northern Flying Squirrel! We will also learn about Oregon’s famous Crater Lake National Park.
Trail Thoughts
Why do you think bats are nocturnal (active at night)? What are some things bats are capable of that help them in the darkness?
Are you or anybody you know afraid of bats? What is it about these fuzzy flyers that you think people find so creepy?
More, Please!
Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!
“To those devoid of imagination a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part.” -Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac.
Sources Used: [7], [10]