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BATS!
What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you think of bats?  Eerie?  Dangerous?  Flying rodents?  Blood-sucking vampires?   These are some of the titles we have attached to these unusual creatures.  But because of myth and fear we have not only abused and needlessly destroyed them, we have prevented ourselves from learning the beauty and benefit of the gentle,  eco-friendly bat.

Did you know that seeds dropped by tropical bats account for up to 95% of rainforest re-growth on cleared land?  Many night blooming plants depend entirely on the pollination activities of fruit and nectar eating bats.  And without the many insect eating species of bats   (one bat can eat 1,200 mosquitoes and other night flying insect pests in just one hour!),   it's hard to imagine what an insect imbalance there would be on our planet without them.  Having bats around helps reduce the need for insect killing pesticides on farm crops.

Even though bats are so beneficial man seems to be the only animal having significant negative impact on bat populations.   Habitat destruction, direct killing, vandalism, disturbance of hibernating and maternity colonies, use of pesticides (on insects they eat), and other chemical toxicants are our contributions to the decline of bat populations.   Of the 45 species of bats found in the continental United States, seven are federally-listed as endangered.

There are many organizations devoted to saving and caring for bat populations and educating people about bats.  Dispelling some of the myths about bats and learning about their amazing nature is one way we can help our friends of the night.   For example, did you know that less than 1/2 of 1% of the almost 1,000 different species of bats actually has rabies?  You are more likely to contract rabies from an unvaccinated dog or cat.   Rabies kill bats quickly so they rarely show the aggressiveness seen in rabid dogs or cats.   This is why if you see a fallen or sick bat you should never handle it.  

Check out the links we have here to learn even more about bats and the organizations that care for them.   Find out about building bat houses and other ways to get to know these amazing flying mammals.   (Which,  by the way,   are not in any way related to rodents).