Brad Westrich is realizing his childhood dream as he works with bats in Indiana.

Growing up in New Mexico and visiting nearby Carlsbad Caverns as a child, Westrich always was fascinated by bats and has harbored a lifelong passion for the flying mammals.

Now Westrich works with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a mammologist — Indiana’s very own bat man focused on studying Indiana’s 12 bat species .

When he was living out west, Westrich often saw bats emerging from caves but when he moved to Indiana after college he realized they’re not just confined to dark, underground areas.

In fact, he said, bats have a wide range of habitats.

“What has surprised me the most is how abundant bats are across North America,” Westrich said. “In the Midwest, it’s amazing to see how wi

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