Waugh Bridge Bat Colony

Frequently Asked Bat Questions

Q. What type of bats inhabit the bridge?
A. Mexican Free-Tailed Bats

Q. How many bats inhabit the bridge?
A. We estimate up to 300,000 but research is currently underway to find a better answer to this question.

Q. Do bats live in the bridge year around?
A. Yes, but beacuse these bats are migratory, there are more bats in residence from March-September than in winter months. In the late summer months, the colony reaches its largest size as this is a nursing colony.

Q. Why do bats live in this bridge, but not other
bridges?
A. This bridge was designed with expansion joints that happen to be just the right size for this species of bat.

Q. What do bats eat?
A. Bats eat many things from insects to fruit and nectar. Mexican free-tailed bats eat insects and especially like moths. This is why they are farmers' best friends!

Q. Are these bats dangerous?
A. Bats are gentle animals and will not harm you if they are left alone. NEVER try to touch or handle a bat as it may carry diseases.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Facts
An individual typically lives to about 13 years old.

Females give birth to a single baby, or pup, each spring.

When not living in bridges, these bats make their homes in

limestone caves and abandoned mines.

The emergence of large bat colonies can be seen on Doppler weather radar!

Location
The bats inhabit the Waugh Drive Bridge over Buffalo Bayou between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.

Parking is available at Spotts Park and along Allen Parkway

Viewing Tips

The emergence is easily viewed from the sidewalk of the Waugh Drive Bridge or from the north bayou bank, east of the bridge in Buffalo Bayou Park. Please observe quietly and do NOT stand under the bridge, this disturbs the bats.

For an amazing, from the water, view of the bats' emergence, reserve your spot on our Bat Colony Pontoon Boat Tours!

The bats emerge around sunset each night, unless it is rainy or foggy, then the emergence is generally delayed.

The bats also prefer warm temperatures and typically do not emerge if the temperature is below 50°.

“Bat Ambassador” volunteers with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department are available Friday and Saturday evenings (30 minutes prior to sunset) throughout the summer months to answer questions and lead bat viewing activities during the Waugh Bridge Colony’s spectacular nightly emergences.

Contact Diana Foss, Urban Wildlife Biologist at 281-456-7029 or diana.foss@tpwd.state.tx.us to volunteer.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers 2nd Friday bat colony pontoon boat tours – upcoming tour on August 10th!

For reservation information, call 713.752.0314 ext. 4 or
e-mail jballard@buffalobayou.org

Waugh Bridge Bat Colony (pdf)

Latest News:

6/13/07, Emergence at Waugh:

Vortex began: 8:30pm. Emergence began: 8:40pm. Thunderstorms in the nearby area, but no precipitation at bridge prior to emergence. Tonight's vortex best of recent days. Bat flight began as scattered groups of bats emerging, but became heavier and thicker as time went on. Heaviest emergence around 8:50pm. The bats flew low over bayou initially, but flew higher as the emergence grew thicker. Yellow-crowned night herons seen beneath bridge, ready to catch an evening bat meal. New moon. Wind 5-10mph with higher gusts.

7/07: The Waugh Bat Pups are now fledging.

To find out more about the Waugh Bridge Bats, visit The Waugh Bridge Bat Monitor page.

Reserve your spot on our 2nd-Friday

"Batty on the Bayou" Tours on our Pontoon Boat, the Bayou Breeze.