Gruta de Colon Cave
Gruta de Colon is a cave created in the Cretaceous Period, 144 to 100 million years ago. The rock specimens found in the cave are over 300 million years old. The 57 meter long cave was "discovered" in 1873 by Europeans but was known long before by the indigenous people of Uruguay. The name given to the cave by the indigenous people, Araicaihuita, means water of the high rocks and caves. It is located near the city of Viejas and is home to millions of Eastern Red Bats.
Eastern Red Bats
Eastern Red Bats inhabit the Gruta de Colon cave. These bats are 3-5 inches in length and have an 11-13 inch wingspan.
They are easily identified by the white markings on their wrists. The cave is also home to blind white crickets.
They feed off of the bats' feces.
They are easily identified by the white markings on their wrists. The cave is also home to blind white crickets.
They feed off of the bats' feces.