
Ultimate Guide to Bracken Cave, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Bracken Cave is on the outskirts of San Antonio and is home to more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. It is a crucial maternity site for bats. The female bats come here to give birth and rear the young every year. The Mexican free-tailed bats are essential for the farmlands as they consume more than 100 tons of moths every night.

Bracken Cave, Texas
Every evening in the summer, around 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from the Bracken Cave, thereby creating the densest concentration of mammals on Earth. When the bats come out, the sound of so many bats is like running water. The full-grown adults can travel up to 60 miles away and back at night, but the young ones hunt much closer to the cave.
History of Bracken Cave
The Bat Conservation International purchased the Bracken Cave in 1991 and is also the owner of 1500 acres of ranchland surrounding the cave. However, the history of this property is unique. It was all set to become a 3500-home subdivision.
The scientists and community members were strongly opposed to the proximity of the bat cave to the property and the risks it posed to the local water supplies and the water habitat. After more than a year, the conservation deal was put together, and Bracken Cave came under the control and supervision of a consortium of public and private organizations.
The land on which the cave is located has lost some of its old and original plant and animal diversity due to an increase in commercial uses. But it is now being managed as a Nature Preserve and is home to various bird species such as the golden-cheeked warblers.
The Bat Conservation International or BCI is leaving no stone unturned to restore the land to its former beauty and is raising funds so that one day it can open the site for the public where they will learn all about bats and Hill Country Habitats. The cave is closed to the public, but there are visitation nights for the members and partners throughout summer.

Geological Cave Formations
Not much is known about the geological formations in Bracken Cave, as the 100 ft wide opening to the cave is at the bottom of a sinkhole. This was formed when the roof of the cave collapsed.
Wildlife in Bracken Cave
Bracken Cave has the world’s largest population of Mexican free-tailed bats that roost here in March and October. They head to Mexico to spend the winter before returning next spring when winter comes. The cave and its surrounding area are also a haven for the golden-cheeked warbler, a federally endangered species.
Is Bracken Cave Haunted?
Bracken Cave in Texas is not haunted at all. On the contrary, it is home to the largest bat population in the world. When you think of so many bats, you are bound to get an eerie feeling, but there is nothing more than that.
How Big is Bracken Cave?
The cave and the surrounding area comprise 282 hectares of area.

Bracken Cave Tours
Tours are not conducted here, but visitors are encouraged to come here to witness the emergence of millions of bats as they move out of the cave at dusk in search of insects. It is an unforgettable sight and will remain etched in your memory for years. You can sit on the rustic wooden benches during the summer and wait for the deluge of bats from the sinkhole.
However, it must be noted that the cave is on private property owned and managed by Bat Conservation International. Only a few people are allowed to protect the sensitive nature of the area. If you are a member of BCI, then you can register for a Member Bat Flight.
There is no need to bring your chairs as there are enough benches to sit on. The viewing tour usually lasts for 2 to 3 hours, but it depends on the sunset. No expert can predict the exact time of the emergence of the bats; so, you must come early.
Bracken Cave has the largest known bat maternity colony globally, and millions of babies are produced each year. After the winter is over, the expectant female bats come back in March and April, and the male bats roost in some other place in small groups. The female bats give birth to a single pup in June, thereby doubling the cave’s bat population.
The young bats are ready to fly and join their mothers to feed on the insects by the end of July. To get sufficient food, the bats emerge up to three hours before sundown, making it one of nature’s most spectacular sights. According to the experts, the bats consume up to 140 tons of flying beetles, moths, and winged ants on their nighttime forage.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no tours available for Bracken Cave, and entry is not permitted to safeguard the bat population.
Is Bracken Cave Cold?
The temperature inside the cave remains stable at 104 degrees F, mainly due to the insulation of rock and soil and the bodies of millions of bats that reside there.
What to Wear?
No specific dress code or instructions on your attire, as no one can enter the caves.
Bracken Cave Hours
One can come to Bracken Caves any time of the day, but we suggest that you come in the evening to watch the emergence of the bats from the cave, which is a beautiful sight.
What to Do at Bracken Cave (Beside Tours)
Bracken Cave Preserve has a massive collection of Mexican Free-tailed bats. The Preserve also has the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, and you can consider yourself lucky if you can spot one.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bracken Cave is July and August, as the baby bats born in June start flying in July. The days are also longer, which means you get more viewing time.
How to Get to Bracken Cave
Bracken Cave Nature Preserve is 20 miles east of San Antonio. From Interstate 35, take Exit # 175 and turn onto FM 3009. Head west for 7 miles and turn left at the sign which reads BCI Event.
Hotels near Bracken Cave
There are many good options and most of these hotels are within 10 to 12 km from the cave. The most notable properties are La Quinta Inn & Suites and Candlewood Suites San Antonio. Overnight camping can also be arranged, but you need a prior reservation for that by calling them.

Visiting Bracken Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (512) 327-9721 for an information packet.
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