Bat basics

The only mammals built for sustained flight.

Bats live on every continent except Antarctica and fill an astonishing range of ecological roles.

A bat wing is a flexible membrane stretched across elongated fingers, giving remarkable control in the air.

Many—but not all—bats navigate and hunt using sound and returning echoes.

Different species eat insects, fruit, nectar, fish, small animals, and other foods.

Caves, trees, buildings, rock crevices, and foliage can all provide shelter.

Many bats reproduce slowly, which can make population recovery difficult.

Bats can suppress insects, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds.