BLM to Host Annual Bat Beauty Contest Starting October 24

The national competition invites public voting to crown a winner on Halloween.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration of a single bat clinging to a tree branch, celebrating the annual wildlife beauty contest. — The Bureau of Land Management launches its annual bat beauty contest on October 24, encouraging public engagement with wildlife conservation efforts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you find online beauty contests an effective way to promote wildlife awareness in your community?

Beginning October 24, 2026, the Bureau of Land Management will launch its annual Bat Beauty Contest. The event features a public voting process across social media to select a champion, which will be announced on October 31.

Why it matters

The contest aims to engage the public by encouraging them to learn more about diverse wildlife species and the importance of habitats found on public lands.

Oregon bats hold a streak of 3 consecutive wins in the contest, including the title held by previous champion Hoary Potter. Contestants like Ryan GosWING and Dolly BATton are currently vying for the top spot.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

This federal agency is responsible for managing vast amounts of public land across the United States.

Ryan GosWING

This Oregon bat is a contestant in the first round of the 2026 competition.

Dolly BATton

This contestant represents Montana in the first round of the beauty contest.

Hoary Potter

This bat is the reigning champion of the previous contest.

The details

The competition follows a structured bracket format beginning with a first round, followed by a Final Four stage where the remaining contenders face off. Participants cast their votes through the official Bureau of Land Management social media accounts.

October 24, 2026: The Bat Beauty Contest begins.
October 25, 2026: Ryan GosWING competes in the first round.
October 28, 2026: The Final Four round occurs.
October 31, 2026: The contest ends and the winner is crowned.

Culture Shift

This event reflects the broader movement by federal agencies to leverage social media for educational outreach regarding the Bureau of Land Management public outreach programs. It signals a shift toward gamified conservation efforts designed to increase public interest in wildlife.

Readers can participate by voting for their favorite contestants on the agency's social media platforms. Engaging with the event provides a simple way to learn about the biodiversity supported by protected lands.

The takeaway

The competition highlights how lighthearted public initiatives can foster meaningful interest in environmental stewardship. Supporters can follow the bracket progression to see if Oregon maintains its winning streak.