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Bats
The largest group of mammals that have the ability to fly. Their nocturnal habits have given raise to many myths and fears through the ages, most of which are unfounded. Ask your questions here and find out what is true or myth about these fascinating creatures.
3,243 Questions
The largest bat, the Malayan flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus, weighs up to 1.5 kg (1,500g) with a wing span of over 6 feet (1.7m). The smallest bat, the bumble bee bat (also known as the hog nosed bat), Craseonyctis thonglongi, weighs 1.7g and is the smallest known mammal.
Jones, G. 2001. Bats Pp. 754-785 in The Encyclopedia of Mammals. (D. McDonald ed.). Andromeda Oxford Limited, Oxford.
What happens if a person hangs upside down to long?
There is a risk of asphyxiation of a person hangs upside down for too long. The blood can leave the vessels causing oxygen to not circulate properly. There is not a risk if a person is healthy hanging upside down for short periods of time.
What does -11 mean on a baseball bat?
It stands for drop 10. The drop of a bat depends on what the length and weight is. You find out the drop by subtracting the weight from the length. So if your bat was 32 inches long and 22 ounces then it would be drop 10 (-10) if your bat was 32 inches and 25 ounces then it would be drop 7 (-7)
What vampire bat debate to kill or not kill?
The debate over whether to kill vampire bats centers on their role as carriers of diseases, particularly rabies, which pose risks to livestock and human health. Proponents of culling argue that it is necessary to protect agricultural interests and public safety. Conversely, opponents emphasize the ecological importance of vampire bats, their role in controlling insect populations, and the ethical implications of killing wildlife. This conflict raises broader questions about biodiversity conservation and the balance between human interests and animal welfare.
Bats go out at night for getting food, such as insects-moths, bettles, or midges. But during the day, they sleep up-side down qith their wings tucked in (to keep them warm even though they are warm blooded mammals)
Why are bats attracted to hair?
Bats are not attracted to hair at all. They are attracted to food, and they do not eat hair or use it an any way. Bats fly around at night looking for insects, not for hair.
Is it true you should cover your head around bats because they can get tangled in your hair?
Bats getting tangled in your hair is a myth and not true. However, if you are visiting a cave with a large bat colony it would probably be wise to cover your head to keep bat droppings out of your hair. In the 1939 classic, Bats, Glover M. Allen documents only one case of a bat actually getting caught in a woman's hair, much too rare an event to account for the numerous myths of bats in hair.
Why do bats have feet with claws?
So they can hang upside-down by clinging onto cracks in a cave wall.
When might you think you're upside down?
When your nose runs and your feet smell. Also, originally when your eyes see things, they first see it upside down, then through a process turn it into the way you see it. However, one of the reasons people might need glasses can be because the process in which the eyes turn what they originally see into what you see works differently.
Do common pipistrelle bat hibernate?
Yes, common pipistrelle bats do hibernate. They typically enter hibernation during the colder months, seeking out sheltered locations like caves, buildings, or tree hollows where they can conserve energy. During this period, their metabolism slows significantly, allowing them to survive on stored fat until warmer temperatures return.
