Oregon Pallid Bat Named Finalist in Beauty Contest
A pallid bat nicknamed Ryan Goswing is competing for the title in the Bureau of Land Management annual event.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Wildlife
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An Oregon-based pallid bat known as Ryan Goswing has advanced to the final round of the annual Bat Beauty Contest hosted by the Bureau of Land Management. The local bat is set to face off against another candidate named Batty White in the final stage of the competition.
Why it matters
The contest highlights the unique characteristics of pallid bats, which are native to regions from western Canada to central Mexico. These animals are known for using their large ears to hunt insects by gleaning them directly from the ground.
Oregon bats have secured the title in the contest for three consecutive years starting in 2022. Ryan Goswing is now competing for a potential fourth win for the state.
The players
Bureau of Land Management
This federal agency manages vast amounts of public land in the United States and organizes the annual Bat Beauty Contest.
Ryan Goswing
A pallid bat residing in Oregon who has emerged as a top finalist in the 2026 beauty competition.
The details
The competition format features head-to-head rounds where candidates are narrowed down through an elimination process. Other notable competitors excluded from the final round included Chappell Flown, Dolly Batton, and Guano Reeves.
Timeline
Oregon bats won the contest in 2022.
Oregon bats won the contest in 2023.
Oregon bats won the contest in 2024.
Ryan Goswing competes in the final round in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The contest reflects a broader trend of federal agencies using digital engagement to promote public interest in wildlife conservation. This approach marks a shift from traditional awareness campaigns to more interactive and personality-driven public outreach.
The success of local bats in this national competition draws attention to the native pallid bat population in Oregon. Residents can engage with regional conservation efforts by participating in the annual Bureau of Land Management voting process.
The takeaway
The competition highlights how even small, often-overlooked species like pallid bats can capture public interest through creative conservation advocacy. Residents can support local biodiversity by learning about the specific habitats that allow these unique insectivores to thrive.
Further reading
Learn more about local species through our Wildlife section.
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Do you support the use of online beauty contests to raise public awareness for local wildlife?
