Batty in April

I-35 Bridge by Camden and Newell

Recently one of our guests reminded me of a Spring/Summer attraction that has marveled San Antonians for some time, the Mexican free-tail bat "cave" on the River Walk under an Interstate 35 bridge.  The San Antonio River Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife have adopted a project to educate visitors to the benefits of having these bats nearby and to help us understand their habits and lifestyle. (Um, do bats have a lifestyle...sure, why not, right?)

During the month of August they give a series of special bat talks about...yes...BATS. 

From these talks I learned that this is a bachelor colony (all boys, hehe) and that San Antonio has a couple maternal (girl bat) colonies as well, the Bracken and the Frio Caves.  Male and female bats roost in different locations.  These Mexican free-tail bats are migratory.  They are usually present in San Antonio from April to October and move to Mexico in the winter.  As you can see from the video below, the bats fly out from underneath the I-35 overpass for a short few minutes (about 20) and people gather in advance to get the best views.  However, that's not difficult as there are thousands of the little buggers that flock out from the bridge cubbies.  This I-35 overpass is by Camden and Newell Streets and is part of the new extension of the River Walk, next to a new art installation of illuminated fish.



 Use this map and directions link to get you there from Hidden Valley RV Park.

There may be an advantage to bringing nose plugs.  If you've never had the distinct privilege of visiting a bat cave, their guano (poo poo) is pretty strong.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV