Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1895 — CAVE IN THE SIERRA NEVADAS. [ARTICLE]

CAVE IN THE SIERRA NEVADAS.

Dark Cavern Where Myriad* of Bata and Other Creatures Make Homes. Of all the strange places to be found In the remote recesses of the Sierra Nevadas none is any stranger than a bat cave in Kaweah canyon. There is nothing particularly strange about the cave Itself, but the fact that it Is the dwelling place of thousands of web-winged animals makes it a most uncanny and unusual spot The cave is in the wall of the canyon, not far back from the water in the rainy season, and there is nothing about the appearance of the opening to attract attention during the day. But approach the place at about dusk, and a black stream of shadowy forms will be seen passing in and out of the opening accompanied by the most peculiar odor in the world and a soft rustling sound. The bats have been asleep all day and are going in search of food. To enter the cave in the daytime is not a difficult task, but Is somewhat unpleasant The opening

Is large, and a man can enter in an erect position. About ten feet in the entrance makes a turn, and an inky blackness exists. Go a little farther, so as to be away from the air at the entrance, and a most disagreeable odor strikes the nostrils and every few feet one treads upon the body of a bat. While the cave is in darkness a profound silence exists, but strike a light and a sound like a waterfall is heard. Thousands of bats that have been asleep at once awake and commence to fly in circles about the cavern, which can be seen to be very large. Round and round they go, Increasing in speed every moment, and the odor of the cave becomes more and more disagreeable. When this happens it is a wise thing for the explorer to make his escape and postpone further investigation until night, at which time the cave-is deserted. Even the dead bats on the floor will disappear, having been eaten by the others as soon as they awoke.