Bats make my skin crawl! They are creepy and scary and deserve the bad rap they get in my opinion. But they’re an important species that impact our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. From pollinating our favorite fruits to eating pesky insects to inspiring medical marvels, bats are heroes of the night.
Bat Week is held the last week in October, not just for Halloween but it celebrates the role of bats in nature and all the things that these amazing creatures do for us.
Here are 13 amazing facts about Bats:
1. There are 1,300 species of Bats worldwide; the US is home to 43 species.
2. Not all Bats hibernate.
3. Bats have few natural predators. Humans are their biggest threat.
4. Without Bats, we would not have bananas, avocados, and mangos. Over 300 species of fruit depend on Bats for pollination.
5. Night insects have the most to fear from Bats.
6. Bats are the only flying mammal.
7. Bats are small and fast. They can fly up to 60 mph.
8. Some Bats are at risk of extinction.
9. The longest living Bat is 41 years old.
10. Bats clean themselves, like Cats.
11. Baby Bats are called pups.
12. About 80 medicines come from plants that rely on Bats for their survival.
13. Bats have belly buttons.
You can help to protect these amazing creatures by planting a bat garden or installing a bat house. To purchase a Bat house, click on the following link:
For more information, visit the US Department of Interior's website at:
https://www.doi.gov/blog/13-facts-about-bats
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