Bat's Are Our Friends! Learn Why!

Don't be surprised if you spot a bat on your cave tour at Bridal Cave! Bats commonly get a bad wrap for being scary or being pests. However, this could not be further from the truth! Bats play a critical role in our ecosystem. Read on to learn about a few misconceptions/information about bats! 



Bats Fly in Hair 

If you see a bat flying around in the cave it may appear like they are about fly right at you and maybe even land in your hair! Bats don't make nests and are aware that you are there and won't bother you during your tour. As many of you already know, bats hang upside down to roost. When they are ready to take off, they will drop down and flap their wings before flight. While it may appear that they are swooping right towards you, they're not.

All Bats Have Rabies 

There is a common misconception that all bats have rabies. This is simply not true at all. Like all animals, bats can contract rabies but that doesn't mean that all bats have the disease like many think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 6% of bats that are captured and tested have rabies.

Bats are Pests 

Bats are certainly not pests and actually play a vital role in our ecosystem! Bat actually EAT pests which helps keep our mosquito and insect count down which can help reduce contraction of diseases. In fact, one bat can eat up to 1,000 insects in just one evening! In addition to eating insects, bats also pollinate plants and distribute seeds!


Bats Are Blind 

Bats to do have very small eyes but that doesn't mean they can't see! Large fruit bats found in the southern region actually search for nectar using their sight! Bats that are found in Bridal Cave, such as a little brown bat, use echolocation to find insects. This means that they make a self-produced sound that bounces off objects to help them navigate their way but that doesn't mean that they can't see.

Tour Bridal Cave! 

Guided tours leave every few minutes and last approximately one hour. Tours are conducted over concrete pathways through the Cave’s refreshing 60 degree environment. Park interpreters will lead you and your family through room after room of incredible mineral deposits. Giant columns, delicate soda straws and massive draperies abound throughout the cave. Millions of years of struggle between water and rock have created this cavern with more onyx formations than any other known cave or cavern. In fact thousands of school children each year explore Bridal Cave as part of their educational program. A tour through Bridal Cave is a family adventure you will never forget.

One of America's most scenic 
cave tours.

Visit us at www.BridalCave.com
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526 Bridal Cave Road
Camdenton, MO 65020
(573) 346-2676

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