Do you think bats are just creepy poster children for Halloween? They’re so much more! These flying mammals pollinate plants. They eat pesky mosquitoes and other bugs, saving American farmers billions annually on pesticides.
More than 1,400 species of bats live around the world, with about 46 species calling the United States home. And this is their week. International Bat Week runs from October 24 to 31, culminating in the day most folks are likeliest to think about these fascinating critters. Here are some fun bat facts to help you celebrate. Once you get to know bats, you might even start to think they’re kind of cute.
