Bats

Bats

Bats! These mammals are so unique they have been placed in a group of their own. Chiroptera meaning hand-wing. Keeping the health and stability of our environment in check, bats have been around a long time, about 50 million years. They are found everywhere in the world except extreme polar and desert regions, and range in size from a penny to some with wingspans of 6 feet. Particularly fascinating are their communication and navigation powered by their use of high frequency sound.

Throughout the world, bats are major predators of night flying insects as well as crop pests. Some North American species catch up to 600 mosquitoes an hour. The fruit and nectar eating bats of the tropics take an active part in the pollination and seed disbursement of plants vital to the rain forest.

Bats are feared simply because they are misunderstood. Myths and superstitions lay at the root of these fears. Bats are neither blind nor do they entangle themselves in people's hair. The danger of acquiring rabies or other diseases known to be transmitted from bats to humans is overly exaggerated. Like any warm blooded animal bats can and do contract rabies. It is a misconception however, that most bats are rabid. Less than 1/2 percent of bats are rabid, no higher than for any other mammal.

Bats should be welcomed visitors to our neighborhoods and yards. They not only keep the West Niles Virus carrying mosquito away, they are amazing to observe in their quest for insects. The Ariel display of dips and turns as they pursue their food is truly natures answer to the ballet.

If you want to invite bats to your yard, put up a bat house. Curtail your use of pesticides. They aren't good for the environment , anyway. Plant night blooming flowers that attract insects. Their perfume is exquisite, definitely among the most sweet smelling of flowers. Browse a good field guide to determine the species you have visiting. Bats are fascinating to read about, and knowing facts about your visitors make your observations more interesting.

Pick up a copy of "America's Neighborhood Bats" by Merlin D Tuttle. This article was based on information taken from this book. This book is available at Bat Conservation International.

Visit Bat Conservation International for some of the best information on bats available.