Bats are found all over the world, but only two types that range in the tropics are blood-feeders. Abbott said this rumor has unfortunately caused bats to gain a bad reputation when they’re really one of the most helpful mammals in existence.

“There are only four groups of organisms that have ever taken flight in our history,” Abbott said. “Pterodactyls, which are extinct, birds, insects and bats, which are the only flying mammal.

“Bats are of an incredible benefit to us. Bats often feed on insects like moths and beetles, many of which are pests that eat crops.”

Abbott said there are 16 species of bats in Alabama, three of which (gray myotisare, Indiana myotis and Northern long-eared myotis) are listed on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species list.

To read the full article, visit the Alabama News Center website.