Their reputation has been sullied by Halloween, vampire movies and at least one pet detective, however, bats are vital to B.C.'s ecosystems.

There are 15 species of bats that call the province home. They are major predators of many insects considered pests to the forestry and agricultural industries, and provide millions of dollars in natural pest control. 

Bats have few natural predators, however, low birth numbers and disease are significant threats.  

鈥淢ost bats in B.C. only have one pup per female in the summer and they face many threats to survive,鈥� explained Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, Okanagan Community Bat Program coordinator. 鈥漌hite-nose Syndrome is a disease that has killed millions of bats in eastern North America.鈥�

The public can help monitor populations by watching for winter bat activity or dead bats.  

鈥淚f you find one, report it,鈥� added Rodriguez de la Vega. 鈥淣ever touch a bat with bare hands or allow your pets to contact it.鈥�

The Okanagan Community Bat Program is working with provincial biologists to collect and test dead bats to detect White-nose Syndrome. It has not been found in BC yet but it is present in Alberta and Washington State.

Dead bats can be reported , by calling 1-855-922-2287 ext. 13, or by emailing YOURokanagan@bcbats.ca.

International Bat Week is from Oct. 24 to 31, and a great time to bust some bat myths according to Rodriguez, 

鈥淗ost a Bat Week Party or other special event to get others excited about bats,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can feature bat-themed games or trivia, a costume contest, and foods and drinks in the shape of moths, mosquitos, or other insects as this is what our bats eat here.鈥�

More ideas can be found on the .