Where Do Bats Live

Bats are the only mammals that are capable of sustained flight. But where do bats live? This post will answer that question, and also tell you a few interesting things about bats.

Where do bats live?

Bats live in every continent in the world, except Antarctica. They prefer to live in climates that are warm. Most bats live in forests. They like to hang from trees in the forest. Some species of bats like living in dark places, such as caves and attics.

Interesting things about bats

• Bats are nocturnal animals. They sleep through the day and look for food at night.
• Most species of bat (about 70%) are insectivores, which means they feed mainly on insects. One bat species, the Greater Noctule bat, is believed to catch and eat small birds while flying!
• While bats are sometimes called ‘flying rodents’, ‘flying rats’ or even insects, they are actually mammals.
• Bats have an excellent sense of smell.
• In the wild, bats can live for over 20 years.
• Some bats have the ability to hibernate. When winter hits, the bats hibernate for about six months. Other bats migrate to warmer climates during the winter.
• In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to handle a bat without a license due to the risk of contracting rabies and other diseases bats may carry.

What Do Bats Eat

Bats are mammals. There are over 1,100 species of bats worldwide. But what do bats eat? This post will answer that question, and also look at some interesting facts about bats.
What do Bats Eat?
About 70% of bats are insectivores, which are carnivores that feed on insects and very small animals. Most of the other species of bats are frugivores. This means that they mainly eat fruit. A few species of bats are carnivores, feeding on larger vertebrates. Three species get sustenance from blood. So now you now what bats eat!
Facts About Bats

• Bats have been known to fly into wind turbines. They are more likely to fly into them than birds.
• About 0.5% of bats carry rabies.
• Chiroptophobia is the fear of bats.
• In the United Kingdom, all species of bats are protected under law (the Wildlife and Countrysides Act). Disturbing a bat in its natural environment can be punished with very heavy fines.
• Many people put up ‘bat houses’ to attract bats (just like ‘birdhouses’ are built by some people to attract birds).
• Bats are the only mammals that are capable of sustained flight. Other mammals that fly, such as flying squirrels or gliding possums, can only fly for short periods of time.
• The Giant golden-crowned flying fox is the largest of all species of bats. It weighs approximately 3 pounds (1.2kg).