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What are Bats?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Bats are extremely unusual mammals found all over the world in a variety of colors and sizes. They are the only flighted mammals; while some species can glide, like so-called flying squirrels and opossums, no other animal can fly independently. These shy nocturnal creatures are the subject of myths and legends all over the world, and unfortunately some of these legends have maligned the innocent bat, causing some people to be afraid of the animals.

While some people may call bats flying rodents, the animals are not, in fact, rodents. They have their own biological order, Chiroptera, which is separate from the rodents, found in the order Rodentia. Bats are characterized by their leathery wings, which stretch across their forelimbs and often part of their hind limbs as well, and their much smaller hind legs. Unlike birds, bats are not very steady on the ground, since their hind limbs are so weak. Bats also have teeth and claws which are used in hunting.

Bats are nocturnal animals that usually only come out at night.
Bats are nocturnal animals that usually only come out at night.

The bat is a nocturnal animal, preferring to roost in sheltered areas during the day. At dusk, bats emerge to hunt for food. Contrary to popular beliefs about bats, most bats do not, in fact, live on blood. The bulk of bat species are insectivores, and most of the others eat fruit, seeds, and nuts. A handful of bat species have adapted to eat small mammals or to feed on larger ones. Bats are also not a major reservoir for the rabies virus, although bats with rabies tend to be clumsy, meaning that they come into contact with humans more than other bats.

Bats have teeth and claws that are used in hunting.
Bats have teeth and claws that are used in hunting.

Like most mammals, bats give birth to live young. Their young may be left in the roost at night or towed along by their parents, depending on the species, and most young bats are independent within a few weeks. When bat populations are healthy, the animals can live to around 20 years of age.

Two distinct qualities of bats have captured the public imagination. The first is the use of echolocation for information about their environment. The second is the tendency of bats to sleep upside down. Bats sleep upside down for several reasons. The first is that it allows them to quickly launch themselves into flight, since they can't take off like birds do. Bats are also sheltered by their sleeping arrangements, as competition and predator species don't generally look under things for living creatures. Finally, bats are biologically adapted to roost upside down, as their rear talons naturally close when the animals hang upside down, with the assistance of gravity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are bats and how do they differ from birds?

Some bats eat fruit.
Some bats eat fruit.

Bats are mammals, not birds, belonging to the order Chiroptera. Unlike birds, bats have fur-covered bodies and are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, thanks to their wing structure. Their wings are actually modified hands with elongated fingers connected by a thin membrane. Bats are also known for their echolocation ability, which most birds lack.

How many species of bats exist, and where can they be found?

There are over 1,400 species of bats, making them the second-largest order of mammals. Bats are incredibly diverse and can be found almost everywhere around the world, except for the polar regions and extreme deserts. According to Bat Conservation International, bats account for about 20% of all mammal species worldwide.

What do bats eat and how do they contribute to the environment?

Bats have varied diets, including insects, fruit, nectar, and even small animals. Insectivorous bats are natural pest controllers, while fruit and nectar-eating bats play crucial roles in pollination and seed dispersal, supporting ecosystem health and agriculture. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, insectivorous bats save the U.S. agriculture industry at least $3 billion annually in pest control services.

Are bats blind, and how do they navigate in the dark?

Contrary to the myth, bats are not blind. While many species have poor eyesight, they can see in low light. Bats primarily rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects, sending back echoes that the bats interpret to understand their surroundings and locate prey.

Can bats transmit diseases to humans?

Bats can carry diseases, such as rabies and viruses related to SARS and Ebola, which can be transmitted to humans if there is direct contact. However, such transmissions are rare. It's important to maintain a safe distance from bats and to never handle them, as recommended by health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What threats do bats face, and how can we help protect them?

Bats face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, diseases like White-nose Syndrome, and human disturbances. To help protect them, we can support bat conservation efforts, create bat-friendly gardens, avoid disturbing roosting bats, and educate others about the importance of bats. Organizations like Bat Conservation International provide guidelines for coexisting with and conserving bat populations.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

PurpleSpark

@anon28698: If the bat catching doesn’t work, I have another suggestion. We had to do this when we first bought our house in the country. We seemed to have a bat problem and this worked for us. The first step is finding where they sleep. Wait until late in the evening when the bats are out feeding and plug the hole very well. This will keep them from being able to come back in.

If the bats are roosting outside of your home and becoming a problem, then you can try insulation. Place fiberglass insulation wherever you know that the bats are hanging out (no pun intended). The insulation irritates their skin just like it does ours and they will likely find somewhere else to go.

GrumpyGuppy

@anon28698: Bats can be a huge problem if they have inhabited your home. The most ideal situation would be to get all of your family members in one room and close the door. Then, open every window and door in your house to try to allow the bat to leave on its own.

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to try to capture the bat. Get a very thick pair of leather gloves and a fishing net. Attempt to capture the bat in the net. If you capture the bat, bring it outside and very carefully remove it from the net and let it go.

anon28698

How we control bats that invade our houses?

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    • Bats are nocturnal animals that usually only come out at night.
      By: cheri131
      Bats are nocturnal animals that usually only come out at night.
    • Bats have teeth and claws that are used in hunting.
      By: andrewburgess
      Bats have teeth and claws that are used in hunting.
    • Some bats eat fruit.
      By: Jessmine
      Some bats eat fruit.