June 28, 2007 MEDIA RELEASE Contact person: Ann Brice, 530-758-0530 Event Date: Thursday, July 12th, 6:45 pm For immediate and repeated release through July 11th Bat Talk and Walk at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Mexican free-tailed bat mothers are just beginning to give birth to their single babies under the Yolo Causeway. In July each mother bat must rush out nightly to eat her weight in insects and then return to nurse her baby. The pups will learn to fly on their own at about 6 weeks of age. The Yolo Basin Foundation in conjunction with the CA Department of Fish and Game will hold the next summer ''Bat Talk and Walk'' on July 12th at 6:45 pm. The program begins with a Power Point presentation about the natural history of bats followed by a guided tour into the Yolo Wildlife Area to watch the bats fly out at sunset. Participants should meet at the Yolo Wildlife Area Headquarters at 45211 County Road 32B (Chiles Road) in south Davis. The presentation and guided tour take about three hours. Transportation is in private vehicles with carpooling encouraged. Participants must remain with the group for the entire tour since it will be on land otherwise not accessible to the general public. Visit www.yolobasin.org for additional program dates throughout the summer. Mosquito repellent with DEET is recommended, as the bats come out when the insects become active. The Yolo Basin Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife through education and innovative partnerships. It serves thousands of people annually with its education and conservation services. A $5 donation is suggested from all trip participants. Children (under 12) and current members of the Yolo Basin Foundation are free. For additional information, call the Foundation office at (530) 757-4828 or email cquirk@yolobasin.org. Photo caption: Mexican Free-tailed bats fly out from under