The Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management Area between Freedom and Woodward is an area protected by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Each summer, visitors watch over a million bats take to the skies at night during special Bat Watch events. The Mexican free-tailed bats return to this 340 acre plot of land in northwestern Oklahoma each year in their migratory path.

Bats travel 1,400 miles each spring to give birth and raise their young in this protected wildlife area. Loved by farmers and ranchers for eating all sorts of pests, the bat is Oklahoma's official state flying mammal for it's special relationship with the Sooner state. The area is also home to porcupines, Texas horned lizards, larks, great-crested flycatchers and many other animals.

Selman Bat Cave is closed to the public except during Bat Watch events on specific summer nights. These events occur the four weekends after the 4th of July on Friday and Saturday evenings. During the Bat Watch, visitors bring lawn chairs, cameras and binoculars to watch a stunning amount of bats fly overhead as the spectacular Oklahoma sun sets.

Each Batch Watch is limited to 75 people, and advanced registration is required. Those selected to attend will be transported by bus from Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom to the Selman Bat Cave, and escorted in and out by a biologist. Before the sun sets, enjoy a short 1/4 mile nature walk along an unpaved trail to see the local plant and animal life. For the safety of visitors and the bats, cave tours are prohibited. Attendees should be at least eight years old due to the length of the event and limited facilities.

The area has no running water or toilets, however there is a port-a-potty available. Drinking water and first aid kits are provided. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the outdoors and heat. Long pants are recommended to protect your legs from the brush. Sandals are prohibited. Attendees must remain in the mowed viewing area boundaries and should leave glass containers, water bottles and pets at home. Insect repellent is encouraged.

Register to see this incredible piece of nature on Oklahoma Wildlife Department's website. From the Selman Bat Cave's page, print off the registration form and fill it out completely. Fill out one form for your entire family or group and rank your date preferences on the sheet. Read the rules for the expedition. Mail in your check and form to the Bat Watch Program at PO Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Only mailed in forms and either checks or money orders made payable to the Wildlife Diversity Program will be accepted. After the registration date has passed, a drawing will take place to fill each viewing. Participants will be contacted with their date and further details.