Bat in your house? Here’s what to do.

Baby bat season is here. July and August are when young bats, called pups, take their first flights — so you may see more of them around your home. Here’s what to do if you run into one of Utah’s 18 species of bats.

• Bat in your house? Never touch a bat with bare hands or swat at it. If one gets inside, open a door or window, turn off the lights, switch on a porch light, and let it find its own way out. If you have to move it yourself, wear thick gloves, wait until it lands, and gently trap it in a container before releasing it outside on a tree or other elevated spot. [TownLift]
• Wait to bat proof: If you suspect bats have roosted in your attic, experts recommend waiting until pups can fly in the fall before sealing up entry points. That way they’re not trapped inside. But if you really wanna get rid of ‘em, reach out to a wildlife nuisance control company. [Utah DWR]
• It’s illegal to kill bats in Utah. Though they may look scary, they play a key role in our ecosystem as pollinators and pest controllers. In fact, a single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. [Wild Aware Utah]
• Extra credit: If you have the time and space, consider putting up a bat house. Providing safe roosting spots can help our bat species as they face habitat loss, climate change, and disease. [National Wildlife Foundation]

Statewide Monument Rallies Today

After the Trump administration dramatically reduced the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, the Protect Wild Utah coalition is organizing a statewide Day of Action today with rallies this evening in Salt Lake City, Provo, St. George, Moab, and Bountiful. [Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance]

Luz Escamilla Is Running for SLC Mayor

Utah State Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla says she’s running for Salt Lake City mayor in 2027, marking her second bid for the job after she campaigned and lost in 2019. Escamilla says she’ll focus on affordability, responsible growth, and use her nearly two decades in the Legislature to strengthen ties between the city and state. [KUTV]

Utah’s Buying More GSL Shoreline

Utah officials announced another $2.5 million to help buy and protect wetlands along the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake, bringing the Utah Inland Port Authority’s total conservation commitment to $7.5 million. [Utah News Dispatch]

Free Shuttle to Bonanza Flat

Utah Open Lands is offering a free weekend shuttle to Bonanza Flat Conservation Area, every Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 27. The pilot program aims to cut down on traffic, parking headaches, and emissions while making access to this popular hiking and biking trail easier. [Utah Open Lands]

Sutherland Institute’s Influence Grows

The Sutherland Institute, a Salt Lake City-based conservative think tank, may have just grown more influential by appointing a sitting state senator as their new CEO. We asked him about his vision. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

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