10/30/2026
We couldn't have done it any better than the NC Wildlife Resources Commission so we'll just leave this right here and let you ponder some of these incredible facts as we come to the end of Bat Week.
..they groom themselves constantly? So cool!
Where have you seen bats in WNC? We're currently working to protect two endangered species that have habitats on Hickorynut Mountain. Learn more: foothillsconservancy.org/hickorynut
🦇 MYTH: “Bats are blind.”
TRUTH: Nah. All bats can see just fine. Some species can see three times better than humans. So next time you trip over your own feet, just remember a bat probably saw it happen from down the street.
🦇 MYTH: “All bats have rabies.”
TRUTH: Less than 1% of bats have rabies. But still—don't go around picking up wild mammals like you're Snow White. Admire from a distance, y'all.
🦇 MYTH: “Bats are dirty.”
TRUTH: Bats are cleaner than your cousin's truck after a Saturday car wash. They groom themselves constantly, kinda like cats.
🦇 MYTH: “Bats are rodents or flying mice.”
TRUTH: Bats aren't rodents, and are more closely related to whales than to mice. They're basically the Free W***y of the skies.
🦇 MYTH: “Bats attack people.”
TRUTH: Bats want nothing to do with your drama. They're shy, peaceful bug-eaters who only fly near you if you're close to a bug they want. So if a bat swoops by, just say “thank you” and be on your merry.
🦇 MYTH: “Bats suck blood from people.”
TRUTH: Only in vampire movies. While there are vampire bats in Central and South America, they don't mess with humans. They sip a couple teaspoons of blood from animals, then go about their business like tiny, misunderstood goths.
Bat Week is an international, annual celebration designed to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation. For more information, visit batweek.org
