Learn the real deal about bats

These bats don't fight crime.

In fact, criminal or do-gooder, these bats won't come near humans if they can avoid it.

Jaclyn Olson, assistant naturalist at the Kane County Forest Preserve District, said the bats they hope to encounter on an outing Tuesday evening tend to keep to themselves.

"Most are scared of humans," she said. "A lot of them will go to great lengths to avoid us."

Olson will lead a program called "Bat Watch!" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve near Sugar Grove. The program will look at the flying mammals and what they contribute to society.

Also, armed with a bat detector, Olson and attendees will look to spot the creatures in their natural habitat. Olson said the first two bat outings this summer successfully found bats.

The curiosity people have with the creatures stem from myths and stories told for centuries.

Olson said kids often ask about vampire bats, which feed on blood and are more common in Central America and South America.

"There are a lot of insect-eating bats around here," she said.

With a 12th rabid bat just confirmed in McHenry County this year - one short of the record - the negative perception of bats is fresh.

But Olson said they are not the only rabid animals and their general fear of humans makes it unlikely an attack will occur.

Either way, she said Tuesday's program will give people who rarely see the animal a chance to get to know them.

"Not everybody has seen a bat," she said. "It'd be a great opportunity for them to do so."

The program costs $5 per person, with families of four or more getting in for $20.

To preregister for the program, call Olson at (847) 741-8350.