Bracken Cave Preserve

Bracken Cave Preserve, located near San Antonio, Texas, is known for housing the world’s largest bat colony, primarily of Mexican free-tailed bats. Every summer, millions of bats emerge at dusk to feed on insects, creating a spectacular natural display. The preserve is a vital habitat for these bats, which play a crucial role in pest control and ecosystem health. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, Bracken Cave also serves as a research site, helping to understand bat behavior and conservation needs, while offering public education on the importance of bats to our environment.