South Dakota Bat Festival

Bats are perhaps the most unknown and under-appreciated mammal species in North America. Due to their nocturnal (night) habits, they are seldom seen by park visitors.  Furthermore, many people have misperceptions of bats, which causes fallacies to pass from one generation to another.

Custer State Park is teaming together with the South Dakota Bat Working Group, South Dakota State University, Black Hills National Forest, and the SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks to host an educational event about bats. Participants will learn about bat characteristics & the on-going research related to the various species. Most importantly, participants will have the chance to work with biologists to capture live bats and understand bat survey techniques.

Interested participants should meet at the Tatanka Theater in the Game Lodge Campground between the hours of 5pm - 10pm. The festival includes an assortment of activities & informational sessions on the front deck of the theater, with the capture activity starting after dark.