A Big Freetail bat that inadvertently traveled from West Texas to Austin in astronomy equipment will be released back into its native habitat at McDonald Observatory on Friday, July 25.
The bat, nicknamed Hubble, was discovered in November 2024 inside the University of Texas at Austin’s Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building. Found with its thumb claws worn down, the species was identified as one not native to Central Texas. Big Freetail bats are typically found in the Big Bend region, where McDonald Observatory is located.
Hubble was transported to Austin Bat Refuge, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center, where he spent several months recovering. Now fully healed and cleared for travel by the Texas Department of State Health Services, he will be returned to the wild during the observatory’s sold-out evening Star Party.
The release is scheduled for around 10:30 p.m., following a 9:45 p.m. public program at McDonald Observatory, 3640 Dark Sky Dr., Fort Davis. Bat experts from Austin Bat Refuge will be present to speak with attendees and answer questions.
McDonald Observatory, operated by The University of Texas at Austin, is located in the Davis Mountains and is known for its dark skies and public education programs. Austin Bat Refuge, based in Austin, Texas, works to reduce bat-human conflict and rehabilitate injured bats for release.
Image Credit: Amanda L. Stronza, Austin Bat Refuge
