(Michigan City, IN) - Dozens of dead bats, perhaps more, were discovered at the beach over the weekend at Washington Park in Michigan City.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reported this morning that the reason for dead bats washing up along the shoreline is being investigated.

There’s speculation the bats may have been migrating over the lake from Canada before being knocked into the water during the heavy rain storms late Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Some beachgoers Saturday were stunned by the sight and tried moving them away from the water to protect their children. Others even refused to go into the water.

Tony Povlock, 26, of Trail Creek said he was at the beach for about an hour before noticing close to a dozen bats not far from where he and several friends were gathered.

“Within a 25-foot radius of us, there were at least 10, though probably more gathering in the water washing up there on the sand."

Michigan City Park Department Superintendent Ed Shinn said he’s also looking into the situation.