Bellefontaine Cemetery is a tranquil, final resting place. But is it also alive with wildlife?
Biologist Vona Kuczynska led a bat survey at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum in St. Louis to document nocturnal wildlife presence in the Cemetery. Additionally, Dr. Robert Marquis with the University of Missouri - St. Louis conducted a blacklight survey for insect diversity. At dusk, biologists unfurled mist nets throughout the Cemetery's paths and much to their excitement, snagged several eastern red bats and big brown bats. Acoustic detectors also identified evening bats throughout the Cemetery. Unexpectedly, in highly urbanized landscapes that lack natural resources for critters, cemeteries might the last remaining areas booming with wild life.
The event peaked the interest of STLPR and NPR and was featured on NPR's All Things Considered.
To see the full NPR story, click here: