Facebook followers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can "talk" online with nongame mammal biologist Scott Johnson about bats on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 2-3 p.m. EDT, on the DNR's Facebook wall.

Johnson will discuss bats in Indiana and their importance to the ecosystem, threats such as white-nose syndrome, and how people can help preserve bats. Participants are invited to join the conversation and bring any questions that they would like answered.

Future topics, instructions on how to join a conversation on Facebook, and commenting guidelines are posted at www.dnr.IN.gov/7315.htm.

To join a chat, go to the DNR's Facebook wall, www.facebook.com/INdnr, and click "like" (if you are not already a "friend").

You may begin typing questions during the time slot. The DNR experts will answer questions as time allows.

Media contact: Marty Benson, DNR assistant director of communications, (317) 233-3853.