For over 10,000 years, the bats have come to Bracken Cave. Today, it is the largest concentration of mammals on our planet! Witness this amazing phenomenon with Dan Brooks, Ph.D., HMNS curator and bat researcher. Bracken Cave is owned and operated by Bat Conservation International as a conservation initiative to protect this bat colony and is not open to the public. Participants will meet at Bracken Cave in Schertz, Texas (20 miles from San Antonio).
Directions
Directions and map will be e-mailed prior to trip, with confirmed time, as we will meet according to the bat emergence schedule.
Excursion Time
To help you plan, your meeting time will be no earlier than 6 p.m. and no later than 7 p.m. In accordance with BCI policy, the group must enter and exit the property together.
This means that you will not be able to leave the property before the rest of the group. Be prepared to stay until 9:30 p.m. HMNS will also send an optional pre-meeting spot for an early dinner before leaving for Bracken Cave.
Location
Bracken Cave is in Schertz, Texas, located approximately 20 miles north of downtown San Antonio and approximately 65 miles south of Austin. Maps and directions will be e-mailed prior to trip. The cave is on private property owned by Bat Conservation International. There are no signs marking the property.
Local Lodging
Local lodging suggestions will also be sent upon reservation receipt.
Weather
We will meet rain or shine!
Walking/Accessibility
The viewing area is a short, gentle (but slightly uphill) walk from the parking area.
Cancellations/No Shows
Please give the courtesy of at least a 48-hour notice for cancellations. As we have a limited number of spots, we have eager members on the wait list who would love to fill your spot. No refunds are available for no shows, but you can give your tickets to a friend. Please notify HMNS Contact if you give your ticket to a friend.
HMNS Staff Contacts
HMNS Staff will meet you at Bracken Cave. Their cell numbers will be given to you in the pre-trip info packet.