For the Love of Bats: Exploring Nature at Night with the West's Flying Mammals

Unlock the secret lives of Western bats through stunning stories, fascinating facts, and experiential natural history

• Blends scientific facts with immersive storytelling to inspire stewardship
• Offers practical conservation guidance, including how to create a backyard habitat
• A percentage of proceeds from sales of this book support bat conservation

Bat advocate Niki Desautels celebrates the astonishing diversity of bats, revealing their unique behaviors, habitats, and physiology while making a compelling case for stewardship and conservation. In For the Love of Bats she shares a vivid, place-based exploration of the West's only flying mammals, blending natural history with in-the-field experiences.

Each chapter delves into fascinating details--from echolocation and hibernation to feeding habits and migration--while connecting these traits to broader ecological patterns. Also included are an additional brief guide to all 32 species commonly found west of the Rockies, resources for learning more, tips for observing bats, guidance on creating backyard habitats with bat houses, and recommendations for top destinations on public lands to witness bat activity.

Despite their importance, nearly 200 bat species are endangered globally. With compelling narratives, fascinating science, and actionable conservation advice, For the Love of Bats invites readers to embrace the wonder of these extraordinary mammals--reminding us that bats are not just survivors of the night, but vital architects of healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

A percentage of proceeds from sales of this book support bat conservation.

Niki Desautels is a bat conservation and education specialist who serves on the board of Bats Northwest, a nonprofit dedicated to bat research, education, and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Through her work, she inspires people to connect with and protect local species. She lives in Seattle with her husband, her dogs, Raven and Mara, and a collection of bat houses.

Olympia-based illustrator Anneke Wilder holds degrees in biology and studio art as well as a certificate in natural science illustration from the University of Washington. She draws on her background in the sciences to create detailed watercolors that explore themes of growth and decay, ecology, and nature-human relationships. Her work often incorporates natural pigments extracted from foraged organic matter such as plants and fungi, and this practice allows her to connect deeply with the environments in which she lives and works. Find her at www.annekewilder.com