Photo by Annie Ray – annieraycreative.com Instagram – @annieraydotnet

Merlin Tuttle

If you’ve ever gazed at a colony of Brazilian free-tail bats cascading over the violet twilight of Austin’s skyline, you have Merlin Tuttle to thank.

For 60 years, internationally renowned Dr. Merlin Tuttle has studied, photographed, and protected various bat species worldwide. His contributions to bat conservation are too numerous to name here. But it’s safe to say that Merlin Tuttle changed the way we think about bats.

It’s what brought him to Austin in 1986. He had learned that recent Congress Avenue Bridge renovations had created a perfect new habitant for 1.4 million bats. Their nightly emergence put Austin on the map. Tall tales followed. With claims about winged creatures flying under the cloak of darkness, spreading rabies and disease. Petitions were being signed to have the bats eradicated.

But, Merlin had a secret weapon. The truth that bats were actually good for us! We just didn’t know it. “It’s my contention,” he says, “that conserving bats is one of the best things you can do for people.” With a friendly attitude, spectacular bat photos, and the occasional live bat demonstration, Merlin and his supporters turned Austin’s fear of bats into a collective pride. Austin’s bats bring in 10 million in yearly tourist dollars and add to our “coolness” factor.

What’s not to love? Bats are natural pest control, save farmers billions, reduce pesticide use, and are really great at pollinating and spreading seeds. Among Merlin’s favorite bat facts: Bats inspired ways that let blind people see with sound. And, all tequila comes from agave flowers pollinated by bats. “No more bats. No more margaritas,” he says.

80-year-old Merlin’s mission to save bats continues at his organization Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation. And they need saving. The COVID pandemic has increased misleading and unsupported claims against them. MTBC offers ways we can help. Because we know the truth now. Bats are good for us.