How does a journalist, photographer, project-manager from the world of wedding, sports, and beer become so immersed in the world of bat conservation that it becomes their entire career? Choice. And a desire to help the people see the world as I do.

Nature blindness refers to when people exist within nature yet fail to notice it. Nature blindness is even stronger after dark, when few people take the time to look or listen for nocturnal wildlife. In fact, 70% of the world’s mammals are nocturnal, including many of those in urban areas. Human impact is increasing the amount of time that animals are active at night, and decreasing their activity levels during the day as species shift their behavior to avoid conflict with humans. Environmental experiences and learning about nature after dark are rare, even though nocturnal wildlife is abundant, but we can change that.

Niki Desautels holds a masters in science communications from Miami University. She is based in Seattle, Washington where she is currently working on a bat conservation project for Mountaineers Books and serves on the Board of Directors for Bats Northwest. She has previous experience as the Habitat at Home Coordinator at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and developing the Bat Activity Trends community science program for Woodland Park Zoo.