Hawaii Wildlife Center Seeks Public Help for Rare Bat Sightings

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – The Hawai’i Wildlife Center is encouraging the public to document sightings of the elusive ‘ōpe’ape’a, commonly known as the Hawaiian hoary bat. As Hawaii’s sole native land mammal and an endangered species, their population is of significant concern.

The outreach coincides with International Bat Week, celebrated from October 24 to 31. Linda Elliott, the center’s founder and CEO, emphasizes the environmental importance of these bats, which help control insect populations. The organization typically cares for one or two Hawaiian hoary bats annually, prioritizing immediate and specialized medical care due to their delicate nature. Residents are invited to report bat sightings through the iNaturalist app and to contact the center if they encounter injured or grounded bats, maintaining safe distance and securing pets in the area.