“It’s Thanks to ALL the BATS” The Sodalis Nature Preserve exists thanks to the discovery of thousands of the endangered Indiana bats that hibernate in the old limestone mine. This is the time of year when the bats have returned to the mine and are preparing to hibernate, a very unique process among mammals. Since the 34 bat gates were installed, the bat population here has increased. In the 2024 bat census, a little over 222,000 Indiana bats were counted which represents over a third of the total Indiana bat population! Some folks go to Florida for the winter, but the Indiana bats think Hannibal is the place to be! Other bat species also use the mine to hibernate. Protecting the bats here at the Sodalis Nature Preserve is a success story for bats and people! The full program is approximately 2 hours and covers a 2 mile paved loop with a steep incline. Participants have the option to return sooner as desired. Please register as space is limited.