Millions of bats are being killed by wind turbines, but smart sensors could help protect them

Six photos: Smart sensors protect bats 6 photos Bats are vulnerable to wind turbines, but new technology could help them while keeping the turbines turning. Click on the image to see more. Josh Hydeman/Bat Conservation International Six photos: Smart sensors protect bats

Bats are vulnerable to wind turbines, but new technology could help them while keeping the turbines turning. Click on the image to see more. Josh Hydeman/Bat Conservation International

Bats live on every continent except for Antarctica and are crucial to global economies. In the summer, tens of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats, pictured, consume hundreds of tons of insects every night in central Texas, protecting crops and reducing the need for pesticides. Josh Hydeman/Bat Conservation International