Full Title: Bracken Cave Bat Flight
Led by: Fran Hutchens and Geary Schindel
Date: Mon. 20 Oct. 2025
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.
CEUs: 0.35
Bracken Bat Cave is located near Garden Ridge, Texas, about a 45-minute ride from downtown San Antonio. Bracken Cave is the summer home of more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats, making it the world’s largest bat colony and one of the largest concentrations of mammals on earth. The emergence of these millions of bats, as they spiral out of the cave at dusk for their nightly insect hut, is an unforgettable sight. During October, the bat flight is more limited but will last too long after dark. The cave is formed in the Edwards Limestone, also home to the Edwards Aquifer. The cave has been featured in nature documentaries by National Geographic and BBC as well as many others. This visit will include a short talk on the natural history of bats, their use of the cave, and threats to these important consumers of insects. This field trip does not enter the cave as it is full of bats and bat guano. Cost includes transportation, snacks, water, and program fee.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat on an in-person geological field trip.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
Learn more about this and other GSA Connects 2025 events.
For additional information, please contact Rebecca Taormina, rtaormina@geosociety.org, GSA Field Trip and Short Program Coordinator.
Product Code: FT25CN427
Product Category: FTRIP