Often, a bat's name plays a big role in its popularity. Last year's champion was a female Townsend's big-eared bat from southern Oregon named "William ShakespEAR." In 2022, however, a canyon bat ...

The bats’ names can play a larger role in the contest than their cuteness. Last year’s winner was a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from southern Oregon dubbed “William ShakespEAR”.

Oregon had two contenders this year: Hoary Potter, a hoary bat, and Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat. Contestants from other states were Sir Flaps-A-Lot, a Townsend’s big-eared ...

The bats are part of wild populations living on public lands, and are photographed by agency staff. The first round of voting began Thursday and pitted a Townsend's big-eared bat named “Sir ...

The second is a bat called Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat, who will compete in the second round on Friday. Both bats were photographed by BLM wildlife technician Emma Busk.

Emma Busk / BLM It’s that time of year again: Along with pumpkin carving and costume creating, you also have the chance to cast a vote in the annual Bat Beauty Contest. Each October, the Bureau ...

The bats are part of wild populations living on public lands, and are photographed by agency staff. The first round of voting began Thursday and pitted a Townsend's big-eared bat named "Sir Flaps ...