Bureau of Land Management Hosts Utah Bat Beauty Contest
Residents can vote for their favorite bat contestants on social media throughout International Bat Week.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Bureau of Land Management is hosting a social media beauty contest to celebrate International Bat Week. Residents can participate by voting for their favorite bat contestant until the winner is announced on Halloween.
Why it matters
This annual event highlights the importance of bat conservation while raising awareness of the state's diverse ecosystem. Engaging with the contest helps promote local education regarding the role these animals play in maintaining healthy environments.
Utah is home to 18 confirmed bat species, with the greatest diversity found within Southern Utah. The competition features humorous contestant names like Batty White, ChewBATca, and Ryan GosWING.
The players
Bureau of Land Management
A federal agency that manages public lands and promotes conservation initiatives for various species, including bats.
The details
The contest allows members of the public to vote for various bat competitors via the Bureau of Land Management's social media pages. This digital event structure is designed to draw public attention to bat conservation during the week-long celebration. Participants view images or profiles of the contestants online and cast their votes to determine the eventual winner.
Timeline
The contest began on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The final round of the contest occurs on October 30, 2026.
The Bureau of Land Management will announce the contest winner on October 31, 2026.
The Home Front
This event aligns with the broader goals of International Bat Week to protect nocturnal wildlife habitats. It builds on established conservation trends that use public participation to increase awareness of regional biodiversity.
If you live near areas with high bat activity, consider installing a bat house to provide a safe roosting site. Check the Bureau of Land Management social media pages through October 30 to cast your vote for the contest.
The takeaway
Participating in the contest is a simple way to learn about the 18 bat species native to the state. You can cast your vote on the official Bureau of Land Management social media accounts before the winner is declared on Halloween.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Do you believe social media contests are an effective way to promote wildlife conservation?
