Bats take center stage at LOL library

The Land O’ Lakes Library recently hosted an informative program about bats, featuring Licia Johnson, the Naturalist Education Director at the North Lakeland Discovery Center. 

Johnson’s presentation shared common myths, particularly the misconception that bats are blood-sucking mammals. She highlighted their crucial role in ecosystems as major consumers of agricultural and forest pests. 

With eight species found in Wisconsin, bats save the agricultural industry an estimated $3 billion annually in pest control costs.

The program also addressed the impact of White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease harming bat populations. 

Johnson underscored the importance of education and the efforts of the North Lakeland Discovery Center, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to raise awareness about these beneficial mammals.