Bats

Bats are the only flying mammal. Learn about these peculiar and misunderstood animals in this section.

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Whether out of fear or fascination, you might wonder, what is the largest bat in the world? The flying mammals aren't all petite petite creatures.

By Zach Taras

Scientists have found striking parallels between the babbling produced by greater sac-winged bat pups and the babbling baby sounds of human infants.

By Ahana Aurora Fernandez

You read that right. Fruit bats are instrumental in pollinating hundreds of plants, including the agave, a key ingredient in tequila.

By Mark Mancini

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Yes, these nocturnal mammals can fly faster than our most beloved speedy birds. And they beat the record by a long shot.

By Yves Jeffcoat

What do bats have in common with ice skaters and one-legged ducks? The answer to that helped illuminate one perplexing thing about the flying mammals.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Some bats are messing with their neighbor's sonar to throw them off the track of food.

By Debbie Swanson

Bats can spread deadly human diseases. Join Lauren as she interviews a virologist about the powerful immune systems of these fascinating creatures of the night.

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The largest bat in the New World and the only species in its genus, Vampyrum spectrum was once thought to drink blood.

Riddle me this: Why are bats showing up dead with a white powder streaked across their faces? Could a poorly understood fungus wipe them out? To the bat cave, readers!

By Cristen Conger

Contrary to popular belief, bats don't go around biting people and sucking blood. Bats got a bad reputation from the Dracula stories, but they actually prefer eating insects over blood. Find 13 incredible bat facts only at HowStuffWorks.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Bats are often found sleeping upside down during the day. They roost in secluded areas such as hollowed out trees and caves. Have you ever wondered why bats sleep upside down? Find out the answer to this question in this HowStuffWorks article.

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Think you know what bats are all about? Chances are you're operating under at least a couple of misconceptions. Sort out the facts from the myths and see what makes bats so unique.

By Tom Harris