OUTDOORS REPORT
30
Average number, in millions, of fry (25) and fingerling (5) walleye that FWP hatcheries produce for stocking each year in lakes and reservoirs.
A pallid bat, one of 15 species in Montana, skims a pond at night in search of insects.
Prudent outdoor play WILDLIFE CELEBRATIONS
2020 Bat Week goes virtual
F
or the third consecutive year, FWP Montana high school students, for the best and librarians across Montana are one- to three-minute video on why bats are teaming up to promote Bat Week. important. FWP will post top-ranked videos Bat Week, held October 24-31 to corre- on its Facebook page and other social spond with Halloween, celebrates these media. The top-scoring video will win $500 winged mammals, their fascinating behav- donated by the Outdoor Legacy Foundation. iors, and their important role in nature Entries are due October 16. with lectures by bat experts, bat Lauri Hanauska-Brown, chief arts and crafts, and even batof the FWP Nongame themed baking. Wildlife Bureau, says she’s This year’s programs encouraged that so many will be held online to librarians have emmaintain social disbraced Bat Week. tancing protocols, says “Their outreach to local Amelea Kim, lifelong communities is making learning librarian for a huge difference in prothe Montana State Limoting bat conservation brary. Participants can across Montana,” she says. watch videos starring the Bat Week events and Bat Squad—kids who talk programs are held throughDuring Bat Week, kids can about all the cool things out the United States and receive free fun items like this bats do, why bats matter, Canada. Partners include “I’m Batty about Bats” sticker. threats facing bats, and the National Park Service, what people can do to help. Bat Week partic- Parks Canada, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Servipants can also learn how to make bat capes, ice, and Bat Conservation International. bat houses, and insect-flavored or bat- For more information, visit batweek.org. shaped cookies. Crossword puzzles, word For Montana-specific information and finders, coloring pages, and other fun proj- details on the high school bat video compeects will also be available online. tition, visit FWP’s Facebook page at faceNew this year is a competition, open to book.com/MontanaFWP/. n
8 | SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2020 | FWP.MT.GOV/MTOUTDOORS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CARTOON BY MIKE MORAN; SHUTTERSTOCK; WIKIPEDIA; MONTANA STATE PARKS
FWP recently joined the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, which promotes commonsense guidelines for having fun outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Among the coalition’s guidelines: u Know Before You Go: Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it’s closed, don't go. If it's crowded, have a backup plan. u Plan Ahead: Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack a lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering. u Explore Locally: Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit. u Practice Physical Distancing: Keep your group size small. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home. u Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and waters, native and local communities, and private property. Take all your garbage with you. n
