Page 9 - The Islander - February '22

The Islander, Page 9

northern noteS

Going Batty

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Florida is home to Insectivorous bats can eat their body weight in insects of urban areas due
approximately 13 species each night, which means up to 3,000 insects in just one to loss of habitat or
of bats year-round. These night! take up residence in
flying mammals are a There are many myths and misconceptions regarding buildings and become
critical part of Florida’s bats. Bats are not blind. They have the same five senses we the targets for abuse.
natural ecosystem. They are do: smelling, hearing, tasting, seeing and feeling. Some Public education and
extraordinary animals that bats, however, have highly developed sonar capabilities, preservation of roost
are misunderstood by many. called “echolocation.” Bats produce echolocation by sites are the keys to
Bats are unique animals emitting high frequency sound pulses through their mouth maintaining Florida’s
and are not flying rodents. or nose and listening to the echo. With this echo, the bat native bat populations.
Although some mammals can determine the size, shape and texture of objects in You can help bats by
can glide, bats are the only its environment. Bat echolocation is so sophisticated that learning more about
mammal that can truly fly. Scientists have classified these animals can detect an object the width of a human them and sharing
bats into a unique group or order called “Chiroptera,” hair. bat information with
which means “hand wing.” Bats literally fly with their Bats do not attack people just for spite. They are others. Fear and
hands! Their wings are much like our hands, but with generally timid animals and prefer to stay away from misunderstanding are Source: UF Florida Wildlife
longer fingers and a thin, but tough, membrane (skin) humans. Vampire bats do not live in the United States. some of the worst Extension
between the fingers. Worldwide there are over 1,000 They are only found in southern Mexico, Central and enemies of bats. This
species of bats. From the fossil records we have learned South America. is why education is so important. Bat houses are also a
that bats existed over 65 million years ago. Today, they The most common misconception that people have perfect way to get involved in conservation. A bat house
inhabit all areas of the globe except Antarctica and the is that all bats are rabid. This is not true. Studies have in your backyard will provide bats with a much needed,
extreme desert regions, but most bat species live in the shown that less than 1 percent of bats contract rabies and safe place to live. They will also do you the return favor
tropics. The most common bats in south Florida include when they do, they usually die within three or four days. of eating insects around the area. You can also help by
the Brazilian free-tailed bat, big brown bat, Seminole bat Although they do not become aggressive, they can end supporting conservation groups that protect wildlife
and the evening bat. up on the ground or someplace they do not belong and if habitats and preserve natural lands.
Bats eat a variety of things, including insects, fruit, handled may bite in self-defense and transmit a disease. For more information go to The Florida Bat
nectar, fish and small vertebrates, but only three species Never handle a wild bat with your bare hands and make Conservancy’s website at www.floridabats.org or the
feed on blood. Bats also come in many different colors, sure your pet’s vaccinations are current. Never handle University of Florida’s Florida Wildlife Extension at
shapes and sizes. The largest bat in the world is the or play with any wild animals, including bats. They www.wec.ufl.edu/extension.
Malayan flying fox, a fruit-eater. It can weigh over 2½ are wild and meant to be left alone. NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
pounds and have a wingspan of over 6 feet! The smallest Bats are disappearing at alarming rates. Disturbance somewhere around your home helps lock rainwater in
bat is the bumblebee bat of Thailand, an insect-eater, or destruction of roost sites due to development and the ground, reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons
which weighs less than a penny and has a wingspan of vandalism is the greatest threat to the world’s bats. Most into the drains. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides
only 5 inches. Most bats in Florida eat insects. They prey bats living in Florida prefer to roost in mature or dead in your garden further protects and brings health to your
upon insects that are pests to humans and agriculture. trees or in caves. However, many bats are squeezed out yard and all the species living there.

FEBRUARY AT

Featured Si Love Packages

Available all month long, while supplies last.

PACK AGE (A) PACK AGE (B) PACK AGE (C)
COUPLES MASSAGE SIGNATURE FACIALS COUPLES SIGNATURE
(FOR TWO) PEDICURES
with warm stones and pink Himalayan salt
stones enhancement, complimentary with Pink Himalayan salt stones with complimentary fruit platter and
bubbly & fruit platter for two – served on enhancement, complimentary bubbly & fruit bubbly for two at the nail salon
the SiSpa patio, whirlpool-side platter for two - served on the SiSpa patio, $145
$315 whirlpool-side
$295

February packages includes daily access to resort pools and beach, and complimentary valet parking. GIFT
Mention Si Love packages at time of booking. Pricing is exclusive of service charge. Cannot be combined with CERTIFICATES
any other offer. Sorry no substitutions, and available while supplies last. Gift certificates must be purchased at AVAILABLE
SiSpa Reception during operational hours.

CALL 561.340.1755 FOR APPOINTMENTS

SISPA IS LOCATED AT PALM BEACH MARRIOTT SINGER ISLAND BEACH RESORT & SPA
3800 NORTH OCEAN DRIVE, SINGER ISLAND - RIVIERA BEACH, FL 33404
PALMBEACHMARRIOTTRESORT.COM
©2022 Marriott International, Inc.

PBISG Valentines SiSpa Seabreeze 10.25x8 Ad 0122.indd 1 1/21/22 4:17 PM