Florida is home to 20 of the more than 1,000 bat species worldwide. Cynthia and George Marks have created an informative guide that captures both the mystique--and the true nature--of the feared and revered bat. They carefully describe each of Florida's bat species, including its foraging methods, range, roosting habitat, reproductive behaviors, and "echolocation"--the process by which bats use sonar to navigate and capture insects in the night sky. This first book dedicated solely to bats in Florida features color photographs of each species, along with numerous black-and-white photographs, drawings, tables, charts, range maps, and an illustrated key for identifying Florida species. Cynthia and George Marks have more than 15 years' experience working with the state's flying mammals and have cared for and rehabilitated hundreds of injured and orphaned bats. Founders of the Florida Bat Conservancy in 1994, they also help building owners safely remove bat colonies from their premises. Their book offers an objective view of bats and human health, dispelling misunderstandings and separating realistic concerns from exaggerated fears. "Bats of Florida" also reveals the intriguing stories behind the unoccupied bat tower at Sugarloaf Key and the successfully occupied University of Florida bat house, the largest sanctuary of its kind in North America. Describing how, when, and where to watch for bats, the authors also advise how to conduct bat walks. For anyone curious about these fascinating creatures of the night, "Bats of Florida" provides a thorough, authoritative, well-illustrated guide to their life and lore.

Cynthia S. Marks is cofounder and executive director of the Florida Bat Conservancy. She also serves on the advisory boards of the Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and the Northwest Florida Environmental Conservancy and is chair of the Florida Bat Working group.

George E. Marks is cofounder and president of the Florida Bat Conservancy, a statewide conservation organization. A former member of the Audubon of Florida board of directors, he is an expert in the acoustics of bat echolocation.