Bats are a mammal, not a pest. That was the main thing taken away after our conversation with Unity Recreation Director Nicole Headrick.

“It’s definitely not a problem.” she said, speaking on the towns bat population.

A large colony of big brown bats were discovered back in February during renovations to the local curling rink, and subsequently moved on to a wildlife rehabilitation spot where about 600-800 of the bats were eventually moved back into hibernation. Most species of bats come out of hibernation in the spring, and part of the collection is expected to be returned to Unity this spring.

The bats were a loosely known issue by some in town, as Headrick described it wouldn’t be an uncommon site for someone to see a lone bat fly-by during a curling bonspiel. Once they knew exactly how many bats they had been sharing the space with, it was a major surprise.

“Nobody ever thought much of it so when they said there were (hundreds) of bats, we were just like wow” explained the Rec. Director, “If you talk to some residents that live close to the arena they will tell you that if they are having a fire in their backyard in the summer, that they can see bats flying around a little bit.”

Bats may get a bad rap because of their creepy nature and not too appealing looks, but little did Unity residents know how important they have likely been to their town when it comes to enjoying the summer.

Headrick said that when she started working with the town, she noticed a lack of budgeting when it came to spraying for bug control. The bats have likely helped a great bit with mosquito control in town over past years, and the mass discovery of them created some newfound respect between Unity and the some 600-800 bats they found.

After the revelation was confirmed that bats take care of more problems than they create, residents of Unity took very kindly to the idea of welcoming these critters back into town, and realizing their potential with the help of some experts. It is to be noted that only around 350 are expected back in Unity, as the University of Saskatchewan struck a deal to continue housing half the population.

Dave Pentecost with DTS Roofing & Bat Services was called on by the town to deal with the bats when they were found, and according to many different sources it was one of the largest influxes of bats that the company has seen at one time. A small number of bats succumbed during the transition period, but Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation has done a good job nursing almost all of them back to good health.

With everyone in town aware of the recent infestation, some locals became very aware of Dave being the “Batman”.

That is why spots filled up fast for a Bat House Workshop taking place in Unity on April 17th. Fittingly, the workshop will be taking place on the surface of the curling rink.

Melanie Elliot is a biologist who will be introducing attendees to her educational bats “Batrick and Elizabat”, and show them how to construct a bat house with all the materials provided. Once finished, proud new bat house builders will have the option to keep it or donate the structure back to the town. Participants will have a chance to get up close and personal with the bats, and experience the animal in a way that most would never think of.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the workshop can contact Headrick at 1-306-210-9010, though spots are limited for the Saturday event.