(This I have to admit is surprisingly pleasant to hear when considering just
how bass ackwards most people here are. Hopefully they DO realize the bats
are migrating OUT of the area for the cold season. JNJ)

************************************************** **************
Bats Brought In To Battle Mosquitos
LAST UPDATE: 10/31/2003 10:51:04 PM

The Anderson Park District is taking unusual measures in the fight against
West Nile. It is bringing in bats, in hopes the winged creatures will gobble
up mosquitos, which are known to carry the virus. This comes after a
mosquito with West Nile was found over the summer in Kellogg Park, leading
the District to cancel their Haunted Hike this year.

Puddles in the park were treated with chemical dunks to kill larvae, and
mosquito magnets were also used to get rid of the adult insects. Seven bat
houses, made by local boy scouts, have been put up in the park. Each one
housing 30 bats, of 11 different species. Park District officials say if the
experiment works, more bat houses will be put up in other parks next fall.

One bat can eat 500 of the insects in just one hour. But there's no need to
be afraid. Park officials say that bats' reputation of sucking blood and
flying into human hair are simply myths. They only fly close to people if
their exceptional radar and hearing show a bug nearby to eat.