South Congress Bridge, Bat observation bridge in downtown Austin, United States
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is a concrete arch bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake with three traffic lanes in each direction and pedestrian walkways on both sides. Beneath the bridge live approximately 750,000 bats, primarily Mexican free-tailed bats that roost in the structure's crevices.
The original bridge built in 1869 was a pontoon toll structure, followed by wooden and iron versions before the current concrete arch design was completed in 1910. This modern form proved ideal for bats seeking shelter and roosting space.
The bridge houses North America's largest urban bat colony, and these Mexican free-tailed bats have become a symbol of the city for many residents. Watching them emerge at dusk is considered a local tradition that brings people together.
Visitors can watch the bats free of charge from the Statesman Bat Observation Center or join guided boat tours available in the area. The best time to observe them is at sunset when the bats begin to emerge for their nightly feeding.
The colony consists primarily of female bats that raise their young each summer while consuming massive quantities of insects from the surrounding region. This makes the bridge not just a tourist destination but also an important site for natural pest control in the urban area.
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