Critter Catchers brings back bat grants

Organization for Bat Conservation receives grant commitment to fund bat education at a dozen nature centers throughout Southeast Michigan

Organization for Bat Conservation

January 27, 2010

Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — Sequels are almost guaranteed where blockbusters are concerned. Those same rules will hold true this summer at a twelve nature centers throughout southeast Michigan, thanks to a renewed Critter Catchers grant. The $3,000 donation from the Oakland County based animal control firm facilitates the return of a popular interactive bat demonstration presented by the Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC), based in Bloomfield Hills.

Last year’s inaugural $1,500 grant from Critter Catchers enabled the OBC –located behind the Cranbrook Institute of Science – to bring live bat exhibits to six nature centers throughout the area. Mixing an interactive bat presentation with an information session addressing bat behavior, habitats, food sources and the benefits of these voracious nighttime insect eaters, the sessions were popular with guests. Combined between the six nature centers, nearly 400 guests attended, with all shows sold out.

“The enthusiastic response from families attending last year’s programs was overwhelming,” said David Kugler, president, Critter Catchers Inc. “All too often, the first real world interaction with one of these mammals comes when a bat flies around in the house. Reviewing information requests and data from the www.crittercatchersinc.com web site, it was clear that people wanted to learn more about bats, but I never imagined how many people would visit their local nature centers for a close encounter.”

Based in Ortonville, Critter Catchers, Inc., specializes in performing humane bat removal and provides nuisance wildlife service to a wide array of wildlife, including bats, mice, moles, voles and more.

“Non-profit organizations across the country are struggling to cope with the reductions in both corporate and private donations that facilitate programs like those provided by the Organization for Bat Conservation,” said Rob Mies, director, OBC. “Critter Catchers has been a loyal supporter of OBC efforts to increase knowledge of bats, and we are grateful for another generous contribution enabling us to reach a growing audience in 2010.”

Locations for this year’s OBC presentations have not been determined. Nature centers interested in hosting a Bat Zone appearance should contact the Organization for Bat Conservation for more information at: (248) 645-3232. 

About Critter Catchers, Inc. — Founded in 2005, the Ortonville, Mich.-based Critter Catchers, Inc. was formed by David Kugler, an Oakland University graduate holding a Bachelors of Science in Biology, and a Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering from Wayne State University. The company provides wildlife control services in SE Michigan and specializes in humane bat removal and rodent control. The company is fully licensed and is affiliated with the Organization for Bat Conversation. Visit the Critter Catchers Web site at www.crittercatchersinc.com.