Fun facts about bats
On International Bat Night, events are planned all over Europe to raise awareness about these winged mammals and their essential role for natural ecosystems and human economies. Click on for some fun bat facts.
They can fly freak long distances
According to Suren Gazaryan, an internationally recognized bat researcher who is based in Bonn, bats can fly well over 2,000 kilometers as they migrate from place to place. Not all bats migrate, however; some, known as sedentary bats, stick around one place, known as a roost.
Populations are declining
Despite what this picture might suggest, bat populations are dwindling worldwide. International efforts are aimed at reversing the trend, which is one aspect that is raised at International Bat Night.
Don't ask us how...
But bats can pee upside down. Normally, they relieve themselves of waste in flight, but when they are in their roosts, they can do the job with their feet in the air. How? Suren Gazaryan says: "Easy. Just like other mammals - like you and me." Ok, sure, but we don't sleep upside down.
Vampires in Transylvania
Contrary to popular beliefs, bats don't drink blood. That is, except for three incredibly rare species of vampires, who inhabit South and Central America. Asked whether there are vampires in eastern Europe, Suren Gazaryan said: "If there are, they are humans, not bats."
Bat researcher for life
Suren Gazaryan tells us that he "perceives bats like they are his friends," because he has spent so much time with them in his professional life. He works at the EUROBATS office in Bonn Gerrmany, the European headquarters for an international convention aimed at protecting species all over the world. It was founded 25 years ago.