HOLDERNESS — Squam Lakes Natural Science Center recently recorded its highest bat count ever as part of the New Hampshire Bat Counts community science program, offering encouraging signs for one of New Hampshire’s vulnerable mammals.
Following a bat count training earlier this month, volunteers counted 802 bats emerging from the Science Center's five bat houses, breaking the Science Center’s previous records. The largest bat house alone accounted for 656 bats, compared to about 450 bats counted there last year.
Based on the bats' size, speed, and flight patterns, New Hampshire Fish and Game biologist Sandi Houghton and UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Conservation State Specialist Haley Andreozzi believe many may have been little brown bats, a species that declined by more than 99% in New Hampshire after white-nose syndrome emerged. Continued monitoring through programs like New Hampshire Bat Counts helps scientists better understand how bat populations are changing and informs conservation efforts across the state.
The public is invited to learn more during a free screening of "The Invisible Mammal" on Tuesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. at the Science Center. The award-winning, feature-length documentary follows an all-women team of biologists working to save bats from the devastating impacts of white-nose syndrome. The film premiered at the 2025 DocLands Documentary Film Festival, where it received the Audience Choice Award.
Following the 90-minute film, Andreozzi and Houghton will answer questions about bat conservation in New Hampshire before leading the Science Center's second bat colony count of the season at approximately 8:15 p.m. By late July, young bats will have begun flying, making it an ideal time to observe colonies as they emerge from the bat houses.
Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs and snacks or dinner to the screening. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit nhnature.org.
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