Bat Appreciation Month is one of the great causes celebrated in October. Bats are tied to a misconstrued reputation of diseases and misfortunes. But like with most things on Earth, for every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage and we are here to tell you why we shouldn’t hate bats, even if we may never love them as much as we love dogs.
History of Bat Appreciation Month
The history of bats has over time been linked to various stories like that of vampires, blood-suckers, and a series of misfortunes and viruses. The average person does not have anything good to say or know about bats. But just like Batman, bats are mysterious superheroes that help our environment.
They have the most charming characteristics like being nocturnal mammals that are able to sleep upside down. Bats have a longer lifespan than most mammals their size — the oldest known bat was captured at 41 years. Regardless, bats are still vulnerable due to human activities like hunting, cave excavations, and other diseases that affect their existence.
Culturally, bats are identified and associated with a list of symbolic and beneficial activities. Bats are environmentally advantageous to crops because they pollinate our favorite fruits and eat agricultural pests thus reducing the need to use pesticides. Bat dung is also used as a fertilizer. Bat Appreciation Month seeks to commend bats’ contribution to society as well as address their growing extinction.
To prevent the rapid extinction of bats, a nongovernmental organization known as Bat Conservation International was founded in 1982 by bat biologist Merlin Tuttle. The organization uses conservation, education, and research strategies to protect bat life. Their aim is to address threats, protect colonies, and prevent the extinction of endangered bat species.
Bat Appreciation Month timeline
Bat feces are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and become rapidly popular for their fertilizing properties.
The discovery of the tiny bat that is smaller than a bee places this species at the top of the list of the world's smallest mammals.
Scientists discover another species, the Anoura fistulata, which has a tongue longer than its entire body.
Bats face a deadly fungus known as the White Nose Syndrome, which has killed over a million bats in a year.
Bat Appreciation Month FAQs
Do bats attack humans?
Bats are seldom aggressive and only attack as a means of self-defense when faced with danger, when you come in contact with a bat, do not try to pick it up but call for assistance, and if indoors, guide it outside.
Where do bats sleep?
Bats are nocturnal animals and are usually asleep in caves, trees, and other obscure places while everyone else is up and about.
Can I keep a bat as a pet?
Bats are wild animals that are known for living in colonies and thus should be allowed to live in their natural environment. Bats that can be caught are most likely ill and should be handed over to the appropriate officials.
How to Observe Bat Appreciation Month
Put up a bat house, a home away from home
If you live in an appropriate location that does not pose a danger to bats, you can place a bat house in your garden or yard to temporarily house wandering or migrating bats.
Find an opportunity to see these creatures in real life
Bats are known to live in roosts and colonies, some famous places for live bat sightings include the Bracken Cave and the Avenue Bridge.
Support any cause for conservation and preservation of wildlife.
There are a number of movements for the preservation of bats. You can support any of the bat conservation organizations either financially or by reposting the information they generate.
5 Facts About Bats That Every Animal Lover Should Know
They are endangered
Due to diseases, adverse human activities, and their slow reproductive system, bats are vulnerable to extinction.
Some of them have controversial snacks
Out of more than 1,400 bat species, there are only three bat species that snack on blood from large mammals excluding humans.
An alternative to pest control
“National Geographic” believes bats can eat up to 1,000 insects in an evening.
They are famous for their droppings
Bats droppings are a source of gunpowder, fertilizer, and an ecosystem stabilizer.
Not here for the cold
Bats can live anywhere but prefer warmer climates — they are found on almost every continent except for Antarctica.
Why we love Bat Appreciation Month
An opportunity to save the animals
Bat Appreciation Month gives us an opportunity to play our part in bat conservation and learn more about these mysterious creatures.
It creates awareness
How often do you actually think of bats? By talking about bats this month, their conservation, and just spreading interesting facts about them, we help raise awareness about their existence. They should be top of mind for most people this month.
To raise funds
When we have a legit, specific cause backing us, it’s easier to get people to donate funds. This month makes it easier for all those interested to wear the bat badge and lobby for bat conservation fundraising.
Bat Appreciation Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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