Ep 10. All About the Bats

In the tenth episode of the first season of Rock the Park, titled "All About the Bats," hosts Jack Steward and Colton Smith explore the world of bats in three different national parks.

The episode begins with the hosts in Texas, where they visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Here, they venture into the world-famous cave system to witness thousands of bats flying out of the cave at nightfall. The hosts witness the evening ritual from the Bat Flight Amphitheater before getting up close and personal with one of the resident bat colonies.

Next, the hosts travel to Arizona to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. While most visitors come to see the awe-inspiring views of the canyon, Jack and Colton have another reason for being here: to discover the canyon's bat population. Guided by a park ranger, they hike deep into the canyon to find a bat roost. They set up a special camera, called a thermal camera, which reveals the heat signatures of the bats in order to observe their behaviors.

Finally, Jack and Colton travel north to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Here, they explore the underground world of the park's bat population. They go spelunking in the park's many caves, where they discover unique species such as the long-winged bat, which can fly up to 55 miles per hour. They also learn about the white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease that has been wiping out bat populations across the country.

Throughout the episode, the hosts interview park rangers, biologists, and other experts to learn more about the importance of bats in the ecosystem. They also address common misconceptions about bats and dispel some of the negative stereotypes that surround these often misunderstood creatures.

"All About the Bats" is not only an entertaining and educational episode for anyone interested in the natural world but also sheds light on the delicate balance of nature and the importance of protecting these essential species.