For centuries, myths and fantastic stories have led to an unfounded fear of bats. In reality, however, bats pose very little threat to humans and, in some cases, are even beneficial. Perhaps the greatest bat myth of all centers on vampire bats, which are not vampires at all -- they do not morph from human to bat form, nor do they swoop in through bedroom windows to feast on human blood. Natives of South America, vampire bats feed on the blood of birds and other animals. In order for one of these bats to attack a human, all of its other food sources would have to be depleted. Most bats, though, procure their sustenance from insects and the nectar from flowers. The entire ecosystem benefits from these bats because they help control the insect population. For example, one bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes, thinning out the numbers of these pests. Bats that eat nectar cross-pollinate plants that we use for medicines, bandages, and food. Without the bats’ help, these plants would not be able to reproduce.
Have you ever seen a bat fly? Often, bats fly unsteadily with their mouths open. Although this may make them look sinister, it is ot a sign that they are poised to attack. Rather, bats are using echolocation to find food. Echolocation works just like your voice when you yell and hear your echo. As bats fly, they make high-pitched clicking sounds with their noses and mouths. These sounds echo, or bounce, off whatever they meet. By listening for the echoes, bats can determine their surroundings and whether prey is present. By reading the echo, bats know an object’s size, texture, density, and distance. Indeed, bats are fascinating creatures that certainly do more good than harm.
