A colony of Mexican Free Tail Bats inhabits Ruby’s abandoned mine shafts from May/June to September each year. Estimates of the colony range from 90,000 to as high as 150,000 animals, representing a nightly appetite for up to a 1/2 ton of insects. This is considered a maternal colony and they produce the young in June and leave for parts south in late August. Their nocturnal schedule varies with storm, wind and insect life.
You're invited to join us at Ruby evenings. Spring thru Fall to watch the bats emerge at dusk to feed. This is a stunning stand-alone moment, or wander to the viewing area from your campsite before dark to settle in for the show. Keep updated on when they return here and on our Facebook page!
Bats came back for July 4 Independence Day! 2021 , June in 2023 We have been warned about timidity of colony and DO NOT want any access AT Shaft after 5:00 There are other areas to be suitably impressed and bats exit in different directions often.
Now charging an entry fee of $15 for bat viewing, gate locks at 9:00 pm