38 SEPTEMBER 2017 ARCAD A NEWS ARCADIA’S GONE BATTY N 36TH ST E STANFORD DR BAT CAVE LOCATION E CAMELBACK RD ARIZONA GRAND CANAL N 40TH ST T he Arcadia bat tunnel is a hidden gem for outdoor activity lovers in the neighborhood. Over 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats make the irrigation tunnel behind the Phoenix Country Day School their part- time home during the summer months. During the spring, the bats migrate from central Mexico to the United States. Most of them are pregnant females, who will later give birth to a single pup early in the summer. The pups and their mothers spend the next few months in Arcadia, before leaving to travel 600 miles back to Mexico. As the sun goes down during the summer time, the mama bats venture out to find some food to bring back for themselves and their pups. So, anyone who wants to see them needs to be in their viewing position by dusk. The tunnel can be found near the Arizona Grand Canal Trail, which runs between 24th and 40th street. On the north side of the canal, several hundred yards west of 40th Street, you can find a paved path that will take you to the bat cave. For more info on the Game and Fish Department’s Bat Project, visit azgfd.com. The Arcadia News thanks the sponsors of our Teachers We Love Program, who provide gift certificates for our winning teachers each month, and sponsor our end-of-year luncheon. Thank you, Postino and The Spa at the Phoenician. For nominating your favorite teachers each month during the school year. It’s an honor and a pleasure to recognize these hard-working educators with an article, and award them with special gifts from our sponsors. Schools and teachers are some of the greatest assets in our community. Since 2011, the Arcadia News Teachers We Love program has recognized over 50 local educators who have made an impact on their students and in the community. Its purpose is to give residents a chance to publicly thank a special teacher who makes a difference. Nomination forms are available at the Arcadia News web site: arcadianews.com/teachers 3850 E Indian School Rd, Ste 1 | 85018 (602) 840-6379 | arcadianews.com THANK YOU, SPONSORS! THANK YOU, READERS! 3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix • 480-945-9537 • www.popphoenix.org Northeast corner of 56th St. and Indian School FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 9:30 A.M. God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does. — Martin Luther (1483-1546) Join us as together we learn to be the hands, feet, voice and heart of Jesus in our community. Prince of Peace Preschool is turning 50 and we’re celebrating with Food, Live Music and Drinks! September 30th • 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. • $20 per person This is a 21 and up event. To buy tickets or for information, visit: popphoenix.org or call 480-947-5645. Children's Ministry Launch - September 10 CHEERS TO 50 YEARS! Arcadia Music Academy Summer and fall lessons for all ages. We teach piano, violin, guitar, viola, cello, and voice! To register, call 480-945-9537 or email ama@popphoenix.org.

39 SEPTEMBER 2017 ArcAd A News BATS TIPS FOR VIEWING BATS: 1. Arcadia’s tunnel is a maternity colony, where female bats give birth to their young in May and June. Usually by August, the pups can fly, feeding on insects every night. When the cold weather comes in, the bats migrate south for the winter and they usually return in the early spring. 2. Best time to get there: dusk, so you can find a good spot. 3. Keep voices low while watching the bats. Loud noises can make bats nervous. 4. Keep flashlights, camera and cellphone flashes turned off. INTERESTING BAT FACTS: ■ A lactating Mexican Free-tailed Bat produces more milk for her size than a dairy cow. Mother bat can find/locate her pup amongst a colony of one million bats. Even with a density of 500 bats per square foot, she will still find her baby every morning. ■ Mexican free-tailed bats can fly over 60 miles round-trip in one night while feeding on insects. ■ Insectivorous bats can eat up to 2/3 of their body weight in insects per night . If you weighed 150 pounds, that would be the same as eating a 100-pound meal! ■ The free-tailed bat can reach up to 99 mph in level flight and has been observed feeding at 10,000 feet. ■ There are over 1,300 different species of bats in the world. ■ For their size, bats live a long time, with the oldest bat reportedly living 41 years. ■ Female bats usually give birth to one pup per year and nurse it to flight in six weeks. ■ Bats are the only mammals that fly. ■ During the Civil War, bat guano (poop) was used to make gunpowder. ■ Contrary to myths, bats are not blind, not looking to get tangled in your hair, and are not flying rodents. They also have less than a 1% chance of carrying rabies * . ■ The world is a dangerous place for bats. Although they provide vital environmental and economic services, bat populations are declining around the globe, largely due to human activity. For more information about bats and bat conservation: www.batcon.org. * Symptoms of a rabid bat include inability to fly, flying during daylight, lethargy and paralysis. Most bats, even if sick, will not attack a person, but bats may bite if handled. If a live bat is on or near the ground, then leave it alone, keep pets and children away, and contact the local county health or animal control agency. Anyone bitten by a bat should immediately seek medical attention. If possible, the bat responsible for the bite should be captured and tested for rabies. (From Arizona Game and Fish Department: azgfd.com). Tail Tail Membrane Foot Knee Thumb Fifth Finger Fourth Finger Third Finger Second Finger Wrist Forearm Upper Arm Wing Membrane Eye Nose Ear