WEEKLY NEWS 3: State Bat

Every state picks a drink, bird, tree, flower and insect to be appreciated and declared as state symbols. Virginia, however, wants to add a new animal to its state list. Virginia is voting on the addition of a state bat. While milk, cardinals, dogwoods and swallowtails have long represented Virginians, the endangered big-eared bat may soon swoop onto the list.

Like other bats, the big-eared bat is nocturnal, which means it is awake at night. About 1,500-2,200 big-eared bats live in Virginia caves. Big-eared bats eat moths and mosquitoes. In fact, they can eat 600 mosquitoes in an hour. Virginians appreciate anything that can help with the mosquito problem.

One reason for choosing a state "emblem" like a bird or plant is to help educate residents about the state's environment and protect state resources.

While Texas is the only other state with an official bat, Virginia congressmen hope declaring a "state bat" will save an endangered species--and possibly eliminate more mosquitoes.

--Written by Katheryn Troyer

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