Registration for the 2022 Selman Bat Watches has closed.
Each summer, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats pour from the Selman Bat Cave to feed on insects and the Wildlife Department offers the public the chance to watch.
Hopeful Selman Bat Watch participants must download, complete, and mail their registration form to the Wildlife Department between May 23 and June 1 to be considered for the 2022 watches.
Eight viewing opportunities are offered each year and visitors must pre-register and be selected for an event. Watches in 2022 will be held on Friday and Saturday nights beginning July 8. Admission is $14 for adults and $8 for children ages 8 – 12. Children must be 8 years of age or older to attend.
In addition to the regular Selman Bat Watches in July, the Wildlife Department is also offering two Nature at Night evenings at the Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management Area in August. Similar to the selection process for the Selman Bat Watch, hopeful participants must download, complete, and mail their Nature at Night registration form to the Wildlife Department between May 23 and June 1 to be considered.
The Selman Bat Cave is one of four known maternity colonies for Mexican free-tailed bats in Oklahoma. The property was purchased by the Wildlife Department in 1995 with funds donated to the Wildlife Diversity Program and from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.