'Bat Loco' series kicks-off tonight in San Antonio





Take the first step to curing your chiroptophobia (that's fear of bats!) by learning the truth about myths surrounding the creatures that cloud the Texas sky.

less Many Mexican free-tailed bats live near San Antonio, roosting everywhere from under I-35 to their own cave outside town. While so many different bat species live around the world, there are many misconceptions about the furry flying critters. Many Mexican free-tailed bats live near San Antonio, roosting everywhere from under I-35 to their own cave outside town. While so many different bat species live around the world, there are many misconceptions ... more Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Billy Calzada Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Billy Calzada Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close 'Bat Loco' series kicks-off tonight in San Antonio 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO -- Those squeamish about creepy crawlies – beware.

Tuesday night marks the beginning of the fifth annual "Bat Loco" series, where San Antonians have the chance to see around 60,000 bats in their natural habitat.

The Mexican Free-Tailed bats live under Interstate 35, above the Museum Reach River Walk expansion, just south of the intersection of Camden Street and Newell Avenue, near the Camden Street Bridge.

Because of the bats' popularity over the summer, the San Antonio River Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Bat Conservation International teamed for the free and open-to-the-public educational series, which will run every Tuesday until Aug. 5.

An educational speaker will kick-off the night, with a talk on different bat topics, including myths, migration patterns, diet and their important roles to the ecosystem. The night also includes games and activities for children and adults.

To finish the night, workers will use an echolocator to tell when the bats will leave the bridge for their night feeding, said Yviand Serbones, community relations coordinator for the San Antonio River Authority.

"It's a great event. It's a great way to enjoy the San Antonio River," Serbones said. "We definitely wanted to host an activity where we could bring folks to the river for an educational opportunity, and also to see wildlife in an urban environment."

Don't worry though; the bats are looking for insects to munch on, not people.

The talks begin at 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Newell Avenue and Camden Streets.

The series concludes with a "Loco Bash" on Aug. 12, which will include booths, live music and activities.

rsalinas@mysa.com