Bat House Forum

[Eby]

I recently came upon this sight while driving over a bridge in Big Bend Ranch State Park.


On closer inspection, I realized this snake was eating a bat.



After he finished, he went back for more.





The bridge had several rows of those little holes and this snake had apparently learned that the holes provided access to lots of tasty treats.  There were hundreds of bats under that bridge.

QUESTIONS:
What type of bats are these?
What is the purpose of these holes in the bridge?
What risks would be involved in crawling under that low bridge to film the bats and predatory snakes?

[IowaNate]

 The holes are there for drainage during heavy rain. The type of bat is a mystery, since it was difficult to identify fully...but could be a big or little brown bat.

  The snake appears to be a yellow ratsnake, and I see no real danger in filming this event (unless you happen to be a bat!)