(NEW HAVEN) - A New Haven woman is leading an effort to make the Indiana bat the state's official mammal.
WPTA reports Desiree Coy has launched a campaign called "Batty for Indiana," asking state lawmakers to designate the endangered Indiana bat as an official state symbol.
Indiana does not currently have an official state mammal.
Coy has created a Facebook page and Change.org petition for the effort. The campaign has also received official support from the mayors of Evansville and New Haven.
Why The Indiana Bat?
Coy told WPTA she is not a bat expert, but a Hoosier who found out Indiana did not have an official mammal and thought the Indiana bat was the right choice.
"I understand there are more important matters at hand, but this is something that engages community," Coy said.
The Indiana bat was first discovered in caves in southern Indiana.
Coy says the species helps the state's agricultural industry and could help teach people more about conservation.
"They truly are Indiana farmers' best friends and our little Hoosier heroes," she said.
Community Support
Coy has also enlisted the help of young artist Elliana Heintz, who created an illustrated version of the Indiana bat to distribute at festivals.
Coy says her next step is traveling the state to hand out pamphlets and stickers. She is also working to find a lawmaker willing to author a bill for the next legislative session.
A similar effort by a group of students did not advance during the previous legislative session. Coy says she hopes to involve them in the renewed effort.