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Alabama Natural Wonders|Summer

You Absolutely Must Visit This Unique Cave Hiding In Alabama This Summer

By Jennifer Young | Published May 16, 2017

Alabama has one of the highest densities of caves in the United States, so it comes as no surprise that cavers from all over the world come to explore our great state. One of Alabama’s most popular caves isn’t famous for exploring. In fact, it’s famous for what’s hibernating within it. This popular cave is known as Sauta Cave, which is located within the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge.

Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge, which covers 264 acres, is located seven miles west of Scottsboro, Alabama. It receives approximately 5,000 visitors each year.

The primary purpose of the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is to provide protection for endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants.

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Sauta Cave has been used for several different things. It was used as a saltpeter mine during the Civil War, a nightclub during the 1920s, and as a fallout shelter during the 1960s.

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Formerly known as Blowing Wind Cave, Sauta Cave has the world's largest concentration of endangered Gray Bats. Each summer evening, approximately 300,000 bats emerge from the cave. The largest emergence happens during the months of June, July and August.

If you’re unable to experience the bat emergence in person, take a look at the video below.

What do you think? After watching the video, would you want to see Sauta Cave’s bat emergence up close and in person? Share your thoughts with us!

For a list of more Alabama caves to visit this summer, click here.

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