More than 60 bat experts from 40 countries were showcased on Facebook Live for International Bat Night hosted by Nils Bouillard, a Bat Conservationist from Europe, from 8-27-21 at 10 pm PDT to 8-28-21 at 2 pm. We are very proud and honored that our very own JoEllen Arnold of Sacramento, California, was one of the participants who gave a fascinating illustrated talk about a Hoary Bat named Arden.
JoEllen has had a passion for bats for many years. She loves to travel around the world to see and photograph some of the more than 1400 species of bats and to share what she learns. About 10 years ago, she started helping with the rescue and rehabilitation of our local native bats with NorCal Bats.
For the International Bat Night event, she told the story of "Arden", a Hoary Bat who came into care with NorCal Bats in February. Arden was found on a gravel driveway in a residential neighborhood off Arden Way. She looked fine but could not fly. Her right wrist was swollen, and over time, Arden’s wing membranes deteriorated horribly. It is thought that she was suffering from Wing Wasting Syndrome which is caused by a bacteria in the soil. After being treated with antibiotics, the deterioration was stopped, but Arden will probably never be able to fly well enough to be released. Toward the end of April however, it became clear that she was pregnant!
Arden gave birth to a male and a female pup in early May, right on schedule for a Hoary Bat. Sadly, the female pup did not survive her first night, but the male has grown up to be a beautiful Hoary Bat. He will be going to a flight cage for flight practice and it is hoped that he will be released shortly thereafter.
Thank you JoEllen for all you do in rescuing and caring for our local bat population! Go to NorCalBats.org to learn more about how you can help our local bats. Donations and volunteers are always needed!
If you would like to see the video about the Hoary Bats, it is the first 20 minutes of this segment from International Bat Night. Click on this link:
https://www.facebook.com/NilsBouillard/videos/168692255346876/
JoEllen has had a passion for bats for many years. She loves to travel around the world to see and photograph some of the more than 1400 species of bats and to share what she learns. About 10 years ago, she started helping with the rescue and rehabilitation of our local native bats with NorCal Bats.
For the International Bat Night event, she told the story of "Arden", a Hoary Bat who came into care with NorCal Bats in February. Arden was found on a gravel driveway in a residential neighborhood off Arden Way. She looked fine but could not fly. Her right wrist was swollen, and over time, Arden’s wing membranes deteriorated horribly. It is thought that she was suffering from Wing Wasting Syndrome which is caused by a bacteria in the soil. After being treated with antibiotics, the deterioration was stopped, but Arden will probably never be able to fly well enough to be released. Toward the end of April however, it became clear that she was pregnant!
Arden gave birth to a male and a female pup in early May, right on schedule for a Hoary Bat. Sadly, the female pup did not survive her first night, but the male has grown up to be a beautiful Hoary Bat. He will be going to a flight cage for flight practice and it is hoped that he will be released shortly thereafter.
Thank you JoEllen for all you do in rescuing and caring for our local bat population! Go to NorCalBats.org to learn more about how you can help our local bats. Donations and volunteers are always needed!
If you would like to see the video about the Hoary Bats, it is the first 20 minutes of this segment from International Bat Night. Click on this link:
https://www.facebook.com/NilsBouillard/videos/168692255346876/
Note from webmaster: Many thanks to Kathy and JoEllen for collaborating on this important story. Many of you will remember the inspiring and very popular evening bat conservation programs JoEllen has hosted for FORB over the years. We can't wait until that becomes possible again. Meanwhile, you can listen to an interview, "Getting Batty With JoEllen" she did during this local radio show episode (starts at min 6:28).
International Bat Night - JoEllen Arnold, NorCal Bats
1995 Photo of JoEllen holding a Hoary Bat
Arden The Hoary Bat with a Swollen Right Wrist
Arden Giving Birth to the First Pup
Male Pup on the Right - Female on the Left
Arden Cleaning her Male Pup
4 Day Old Male Pup
10 Day Old Male Pup
Male Pup After Eating Meal Worms
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