Biologists from around Nevada gathered to take part in the annual Bat Blitz where they capture and record bats in the area. (Mat Luschek / Review-Journal)
Mexican freetail bats took up residence about 25 to 30 years ago at McCarran International Airport’s employee parking garage. They roost within 2-inch nooks behind concrete panels lining the southern end of structure. “They don’t fly in your hair, they stay away from the airplanes and they tend to stay out of your way.” There’s no official count of McCarran’s bat population, but they could number in thousands. The bats primarily eat insects. They’ve been spotted feeding on bugs flying around the light beam shooting from Luxor. “They seem to be doing quite well at the airport.”