Fascinating Bats: Surprising facts about these small flying mammals
Bats often get a bad rap as symbols of Halloween and evil vampires. However, the truth is that these remarkable creatures are vital allies in the ecosystem. Here are some interesting facts about the only mammals capable of true flight.
BATS GALORE
Bats make up an estimated 20 per cent of all mammals on Earth. That means one in five mammals is a bat! In fact, there are more than 1,300 species of bats worldwide. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Nearly 50 different species live in North America alone. Most have black or brown fur, but you can also spot white bats in Central America.
MEALTIME
Most bats, particularly the most common species found in North America, feast on insects. A single bat can devour thousands of bugs every night, helping to keep pest populations in check. Thank you, bats! Other bat species enjoy fruits and nectar. They help pollinate plants and disperse fruit seeds, which is invaluable to farmers. Interestingly, three species have a taste for blood. These are commonly known as “vampire bats.” But don’t worry; they rarely target humans, and they don’t live in North America.
UPSIDE DOWN
You’ve probably seen pictures of bats hanging upside down. Have you ever wondered how they sleep in that position? Their ankles have a locking mechanism that keeps their toes curled. Handy, isn’t it?
WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT BLINDNESS?
Bats use echolocation rather than eyesight to get around in the dark. They emit ultrasound waves, and the returning echoes help them determine the size and shape of objects around them. However, contrary to popular belief, bats possess excellent eyesight. Finally, bats face serious threats from various factors, with whitenose syndrome being the most significant. This fatal disease is caused by a fungus and can wipe out up to 99 per cent of the bats in a colony. Isn’t that sad?