There are over 1,400 varied species of bats around the world.  This week, Muncie area children and adults got the chance to see these amazing creatures up close and learn a few things that aren’t taught in most school books.  NewsLink Indiana’s Demar Robinson has more.

Known for their presence in dark caves and hanging upside down bats are often misunderstood creatures, with many misconceptions surrounding them. 

Last night, Ball State University biologist Dr. Tim Carter took a group of young learners under his wing at the Muncie-Kennedy library.

He shared fascinating facts, from the bat’s role in controlling insect populations to their unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in different habitats. Carter enjoys informing all ages on the facts involving bats. 

“I absolutely love when I get to talk to the public. I do a lot of programs for kids and adults. Uh and as you kind of implied, tis the season. It really is fantastic to meet people, I really enjoy how it change since I got started when I first got started doing bat programs, it was dispelling a lot of myths, I had people ask me questions about all those things, and now I don’t get that very often, now I get, we love bats what can we do to help them and so I have botched a shift in the attitude surrounding bats over the last 10-20 years which has been fantastic “

Students got the chance to see these nocturnal creatures up close, and learn just how important bats are, not only to nature but also to science. And with events like these, young minds are being inspired to rethink their ideas about bats and even consider a future in biology.