HATTIESBURG – Researchers captured 255 bats while surveying parts of south Mississippi during this year’s Bat Blitz, an event aimed at documenting bat species in areas that have received limited scientific study.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science said 66 participants from 19 states took part in the Southeastern Bat Diversity Network’s Bat Blitz, held in the Hattiesburg area.
Over three nights, participants surveyed 39 sites across 10 counties, including wildlife management areas operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
The event brought together students, state and federal government representatives, and researchers from private institutions to gather information about bat species in the region.
Katelin Cross, a mammalogist with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, joined other members of the Mississippi Bat Working Group in helping host the event.
The museum said the surveys collected information that will contribute to a better understanding of bats in the region. It did not specify how many different species were documented.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation was among the event’s sponsors.
