McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats

Bats have long been cast as spooky symbols in myths and Halloween tales, but the truth is far more fascinating than frightening. In this talk, we’ll explore the incredible world of bats—their essential roles in our ecosystems, the reasons they deserve admiration rather than fear, and how science and curiosity can transform eerie perceptions into appreciation. It’s time to replace fear with facts and discover why bats are among nature’s most spectacular—and misunderstood—creatures. Jessie Dwyer is the Parsons Field Institute Biodiversity Manager at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. At the Conservancy, Jessie manages experimental and long- term wildlife research projects on key species groups, such as bats, birds, butterflies, ground-dwelling arthropods, ground-dwelling vertebrates, and reptiles. Jessie has a M.S. degree in Applied Biological Sciences from the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University, where they evaluated the effect of urbanization on bat habitat use across the Phoenix metropolitan area.