Summer is here, and the bats are back! The Mexican Free-tailed bat colony under the I-80 Yolo Causeway is growing daily as they return from their winter sojourn. As the weather warms, crops grow, and insect populations explode, the bats return to the Causeway. These amazing, winged wonders are the only mammals capable of true flight. In late June, the females give birth to one pup. She nurses that pup for about 5 to 6 weeks, and then it joins her as she flies throughout the Central Valley to hunt for crop pests and mosquitos. There are also males that live in the Yolo Causeway bridge, but their groupings are smaller, so they are less noticeable. Throughout the summer, Yolo Basin Foundation offers many Bat Talk and Tours, as well as a number of special events. The Bat Talk and Tour is an opportunity to learn about these amazing animals from a local bat expert, meet live bats, and watch the bat flyout from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Registration is now open on our website, www.yolobasin.org. Children who are interested in bats are encouraged to join Yolo Basin Foundation for a morning of Bats and Crafts on July 21st and August 10th. Meet live bats from our local area, then have fun creating crafts and playing bat games. This special event is aimed at young children, especially those that are too young to stay up late to watch the bats fly. Adults can visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters for Batty for Bats on July 13th and August 24th to enjoy a variety of bat-inspired refreshments, live music, and a chance to meet ambassador bats from a rehabilitation program, followed by a visit to the Bypass to see the evening bat flyout. Yolo Basin Foundation, P.O Box 943, Davis, CA 95617 Additionally, we are seeking Bat Program Volunteers to help educate the public, guide tours, and host our special events. No prior experience with bats is necessary. Visit our website, www.yolobasin.org, for more information about volunteer opportunities! Yolo Basin Foundation: Expanding public appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife in the Yolo Basin through education and innovative partnerships.