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Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park

Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park

  • 3/24/2020 12:05:00 PM
  • View Count 5484
MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will reopen to the public after bat hibernation season on April 15. The popular caves are closed annually from Oct. 15 to April 15 to protect hibernating bats. Visitors have access to the rest of the park while the caves are closed. 
Why do bats hang upside down?

Why do bats hang upside down?

  • 12/8/2016 3:06:00 PM
  • View Count 75211
Unlike birds, bats have trouble with takeoffs from the ground. Their wings are not as strong as those of birds and they cannot run fast enough to build up flight speed. Bats have an easier time flying when they start already in the air. They use their front claws on their wings to climb to a high spot and launch themselves to achieve flight.
6 Cool Things You Should Know About Bats in Iowa

6 Cool Things You Should Know About Bats in Iowa

  • 10/28/2014 10:39:00 AM
  • View Count 39208
Bats show up everywhere this time of year as people decorate for Halloween, but bats are nothing to be afraid of. Really, we just think they’re scary cool, and here’s why.