08/02/2025
🦇 FIVE BAT MYTHS AND ONE FACT🦇
1. “Bats Are Blind!”🦉 Nope! Bats can see quite well, especially in low light! They use echolocation to navigate and hunt, but their eyes are functional too!
2. “Bats Are Flying Rats!” 🐀 Not at all! Bats belong to a different order called Chiroptera and are more closely related to primates than rodents. They’re unique creatures on their own!
3. “Bats Will Get Tangled In Your Hair!” 😱 While they might seem to occasionally fly toward or near you, it’s likely they’re looking for insect snacks (like midges, which are their favourite). Bats are generally shy and prefer to avoid us. They play a vital role in our ecosystem and are more interested in insects than humans!
4. “All Bats Are Bloodsuckers!”🩸🦇 This myth stems from a few vampire bat species (which feed on cattle and other large animals, and none of the exist in the UK), but the majority of bats are insectivorous or frugivorous, munching on insects and fruits instead!
5. “Bats Are Dirty and Carry Diseases!” 🦠 While bats can carry diseases like most animals, they are not dirty creatures. In fact, they help control insect populations and pollinate plants, making them beneficial to our environment! There are records of bats in the UK having rabies, although that number is incredibly low. Another reason why contacting us is a better option than trying to handle a downed bat. Message us and one of our vaccinated bat carers will happily come and assist!
🦇 And our fun fact:
1. “Without bats, there would be no tequila!” 🍸 Agave, the plant used as the base for tequila, is primarily pollinated by three species of bats: the Mexican long-nosed bat, the lesser long-nosed bat, and the Mexican long-tongued bat. So, the next time you order a margarita, make sure you raise a glass to these essential pollinators! ♥️
Welcome to the Skye and Lochalsh Bats! We are committed to the conservation and rescue of bats Skye & Lochalsh.
