Penticton has gone batty – in the best way possible.
The city has officially been recognized as a certified Bat-Friendly Community.
This designation highlights a city’s dedication to preserving critical wildlife habitats and promoting awareness about the vital role bats play in the environment.
“This certification underscores our commitment to preserving local wildlife and fostering a harmonious environment for all species,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield in a media release.
To earn the certification, the city undertook several initiatives over the past two years. These include the installation of bat boxes and guano catchers to create roosting opportunities, the development of educational resources like the Bat Edu-Kit and Batpack, and updates to the city’s wildlife webpage.
As part of the certification, Penticton lawmakers proclaimed April 17 as Bat Appreciation Day, and October 24-31 as National Bat Week.