A hoary bat in flight. One of the most commonly seen bats on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island. What is the first thing you picture when you think of a warm summer evening in the Gulf Islands? Bats, obviously. Bundled in sweaters with tea and chocolate, we (the summer staff and Read more
The BC Community Bat Program is calling for volunteers to get involved in the BC Annual Bat Count. Starting June 1st, bat biologists and volunteers will be enjoying late nights, counting bats at maternity roosts throughout the province. Female bats roost together in summer and raise their young in maternity Read more
April 17, 2026, is Bat Appreciation Day to recognize the amazing role bats play in the health of our ecosystems. This date too, brings awareness to the fact that these wonderful mammals are waking from hibernation or returning from wintering areas to begin their nightly foraging flights here. The eight Read more
Did you know that you can make important contributions to science simply by using your phone? Becoming a Citizen Scientist doesn’t have to be hard. By using a few apps, you can participate in plant, animal and fungi research with ease. Whether you are an avid birder, curious hiker, or Read more
If you have ever been exploring the shoreline of SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island and seen a small mammal scurrying along the beach, or swimming in the water, you likely came across a North American river otter. River otters are a semi-aquatic species with thick, water-repellent fur that keeps them warm when Read more
April 17, 2025 is Bat Appreciation Day in recognition of the amazing role bats play in the health of our ecosystems. This date too, brings awareness to the facts that these wonderful mammals are waking from hibernation or returning from wintering areas to begin their nightly foraging flights. The seven Read more
Raccoons: Beach Bandits Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are small mammals found on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island and across North America. Similar to what has happened with deer, raccoon populations have increased following the loss of the large predators that once kept them in check, and that is causing problems for the Read more
Another bat-counting season has come to a close, but plans are afoot—or shall I say awing—to have volunteers get involved with the bat count next year. Have you… If so, you may be interested in a volunteer opportunity to register your roost site in the BC Community Bat Program, counting Read more
Spring is a good time to stop what you are doing and think about these wonderful mammals waking from hibernation or returning from wintering areas. The seven species[i] of bats we have identified for Mayne Island are an intrinsic part of our community, and deserve everything we can do to Read more
Last year, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats was detected in Grand Forks, BC. This winter and spring, the BC Community Bat Program, in collaboration with the Province of BC, is asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of WNS. Read more