Just in time for Halloween, Bat Week takes flight in Alberta Oct. 24 to 31.
To encourage young Albertans to learn about and respect the province’s many bat species, the Alberta government is holding a colouring and drawing contest to coincide with Bat Week. From Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, young Albertans are encouraged to draw and colour a picture of bats in Alberta, and to share their drawings with the Ministry of Environment and Parks, according to a press release from the province.
Bats have a positive effect in Alberta – they control insect populations, help pollinate plants and can spread seeds that help restore forests. Every year, during the last week of October, people around the world celebrate Bat Week to raise awareness about the need to protect bats and to dispel common myths about these flying mammals.
“In addition to being fascinating animals, bats play an important role in keeping our provincial ecosystem and economy thriving,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks, in the release. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity of Alberta’s young people and fostering a better understanding of bats in the province.”
The winner will be selected via random draw and announced on Twitter the week of Nov. 4. Albertans can be as creative as they wish with their drawings – they don’t need to stick to black and white, and can show bats in any part of our province.
“We all need to understand the importance of bats in our ecosystem and learn how we can contribute to help protect their habitat to ensure they survive,” said Lisa Wilkinson, senior species at risk biologist and provincial bat specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks.
Submissions can be sent via social media, by tweeting @AB_Enviro and using #AbBatWeek. Drawings can also be emailed to [email protected] or can be sent to:
323 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Submissions must be received by Nov. 4, are subject to FOIP and winners agree to their artwork and name being made public on government media channels.
For more information about bats, visit alberta.ca/bats.aspx
