Student Studies Bats on Kodiak Island, Alaska

In completing my Environmental Policy and Management Master’s Degree at UC Davis, I had the opportunity to participate in field research regarding little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) with Jesika Reimer, Associate Research Specialist in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, on Kodiak Island, Alaska in July 2022. Along with a team of scientists from National Park Services and staff members from US Fish and Wildlife Services, we facilitated a week-long field survey in the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge. Over the week, we conducted emergence counts and mist netting captures to collect baseline population data on little brown myotis in the area. On all except for the last nights of the survey, the public was permitted to come observe and participate in the collecting of data. The public were enthusiastic, grateful, and enjoyed that this research was occurring within their community, especially the children. The experience was inspiring regarding the fact that all these biologists, ecologists, hydrologists, and staff members have vastly different backgrounds but are passionate about collecting data on a species that is outside of their focus or expertise. It was amazing to witness Jesika Reimer simultaneously orchestrate the entire operation, handle bats, collect data, and interact with and educate the public about bats and how the community can support bat populations.