Annually, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab releases a group of bats (approximately 200 of the big brown bat species; photos from 2011 above and below, courtesy Nebraska Wildlife Rehab) received over the winter, primarily removed from people's houses.

“When there are no caves or rock outcroppings to live in, they do really well in people's attics. They roost in the wall between the roof and the attic,” said Laura Stastny, operations chair of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, in a recent interview for an Omaha World-Herald article. “These are all big brown bats — that's the species — and they're hibernators,” said Stastny.

“From about October all the way through April, we keep these bats. . . . We'll hibernate the ones that are of a good healthy weight, and the ones that are underweight we'll feed until they're up to a healthy weight, and then we'll hibernate them.”

The release allows the bats to return to the wild on an evening selected very carefully, as ideal weather conditions must be met.*

The 2013 release event is this Sunday, April 28*, beginning at 6:30 pm in Joslyn Art Museum's east sculpture garden. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, but respectfully asked to leave dogs at home for this particular event (ensures a safer release for the bats).

*NOTE: This event is subject to last minute postponement due to weather conditions. Please be sure to check Nebraska Wildlife Rehab's website for updates on event day.  www.nebraskawildliferehab.org

A hands-on activity sponsored by Nebraska Wildlife Rehab will be available for younger guests.

The release will happen at dusk (approximately 8:15 pm).

The Museum's galleries will be closed, but restrooms inside the atrium entrance will be accessible to attendees during the event.

Admission is free. Join us!