Nature
Summer Haunt: Bats at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, a massive sinkhole near Rocksprings, Texas, hosts one of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the state. The sinkhole is approximately 50 feet wide, drops 140 feet into the main cavern, and reaches depths of over 350 feet. Take in fear inducing views on the platform over the cavern, which allows visitors to peer into the dark, spooky, depths.
The Allure of Devil’s Sinkhole
Photo: Facebook/America’s State Parks
In Native American traditions, springs and sinkholes are believed to be gateways to the underworld. Considering the depth and darkness of the sinkhole, it may feel like staring down at the gates of darkness. Since the area is home to a large bat colony, bat guano mining operations took place in the cavern, as a way to get ammonia for fertilizer. Now, Devil’s Sinkhole is a treasured state natural area as a well as a National Natural Landmark.
Plan Your Visit and Get Spooked
Photo: Facebook/For the Love of Nature
Reservations are required to visit the park. However, you won’t be disappointed because when the bats take flight, the experience is both terrifying and awe inspiring. Thousands of bats exit the sinkhole by the minute, soaring in the skies above, circling around, hungry and ready to hunt (for insects). This exhilarating experience makes Devil’s Sinkhole a worthwhile place to visit. For more information about the nature area, contact tpwd.gov. To schedule a trip, contact the Devil’s Sinkhole Society.
More Places to See a Sea of Bats
Photo: Facebook/Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife
The Texas Hill Country has many locations where you can view nightly flights of bats. If you are unable to make a trip to Devil’s Sinkhole, try these locations. Make a trip to one of these locations because the views of nature are sure to scare your socks off.
