ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — In a delightful twist during the annual bat beauty contest organized by the Bureau of Land Management, a spirited hoary bat named “Hoary Potter” emerged as the champion this Halloween. The event culminated on the final day of International Bat Week, showcasing the charm and ecological importance of these fascinating creatures.
Hoary Potter triumphed over contenders like “Lestat,” the western small-footed bat from Idaho, and a Townsend’s big-eared bat dubbed “Sir Flaps-A-Lot” from Utah, proving that this feisty bat from Oregon had what it takes to win. This victory is particularly notable as it marks the third consecutive year that an Oregon bat has captured the title. Last year, “William ShakespEAR,” also a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from southern Oregon, claimed the crown. In 2022, the winner was “Barbara,” a canyon bat from the same region.
The contest, initiated by the federal agency in 2019, serves to elevate awareness about the crucial role bats play in the ecosystem. Bats contribute significantly to controlling insect populations and pollinating various plants. Throughout the competition, photographs of the bats, taken by BLM staff, were shared on the agency’s social media platforms, inviting the public to vote for their favorite.
Hoary bats like Hoary Potter are recognized for their impressive flight skills and a unique behavior of wrapping themselves in their tails to blend in with leaves, which helps them evade predators. The BLM humorously commented that, because of this trait, Hoary Potter would be the ideal seeker on this year’s Quidditch team—a nod to the magical world of Harry Potter where the game is played on flying brooms.
Emma Busk, the wildlife technician from BLM who photographed Hoary Potter, emphasized the essential role of bats in our environment by stating, “Bats are vital for controlling insect populations and pollinating flowers and fruits.” However, she pointed out that these incredible mammals face significant threats due to habitat loss, disease, and light pollution. Moreover, they are often wrongfully perceived as dangerous carriers of disease.
“It’s important to note that less than 1% of all bat populations actually carry rabies, and the likelihood of bat-to-human disease transmission is quite low,” Busk clarified. She hopes that events like this contest will help foster a greater appreciation for bats, the only flying mammals.
