Join us as we celebrate Bat Week with a presentation by bat biologist, Dr. Devaughn Fraser, of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Bats are one of the most unique, diverse and extraordinary groups of mammals on the planet.  Here in Connecticut and across the Northeast, they are also one of the most imperiled. A devastating disease known as white-nose syndrome has been afflicting our bats for over 15 years and has led to 90% declines in several of our cave-dwelling species. Other species that are not affected by the disease face their own unique conservation challenges, including climate change and wind-energy development. Come to Great Hollow on October 28th to hear Dr. Fraser talk about the diversity and natural history of bats in our region, and the efforts being made by the state to monitor and protect these critical members of our ecological communities.

Dr. Fraser has been working with wildlife for over twenty years, studying everything from lynx and mountain lions, to prairie chickens, prairie dogs, and of course, bats. She received her doctorate from UCLA in 2017 where she specialized in the use of genetic methods to investigate human impacts on wildlife. Since joining CT DEEP’s Wildlife Diversity Program, Dr. Fraser has worked to expand the agency’s ability to monitor and protect bat populations across the state.