Did you know that the 17th of April is International Bat Appreciation Day? In anticipation, Wildlife Rescue Team Malta shared a number of posts with factual information and debunking myths about these fantastic creatures.
In one post targeting various myths surrounding the creatures, the wildlife rescue team explained how the common idea of bats being dirty and blood-sucking nightmare creatures is totally inaccurate.
‘There are 3 species of ‘vampire’ bats found in Latin America, and they usually target cattle. All other species of bats worldwide feed on insects, fruit or nectar. The ones we find in Malta are insectivores, meaning they have no interest in your blood.’
Meanwhile, not all bats are known to carry diseases like rabies, with the disease not having been documented in Malta.
‘Having said that, they are mammals just like us, and it is never recommended to handle bare-handed, both for your and their safety.’
In another post, the team explained that many calls received during the year concern people finding baby bats – which in actuality are usually juveniles or adults due to Maltese bat sizes being quite small
In fact, if the bat is the size of a 10c coin, it’s a baby. If it’s the size of your little finger, it’s a juvenile or adult!
‘When we receive calls for pups, we always first try to re-unite with the mum. When this does not happen, the pups would need round the clock care to survive.’
#MaltaDaily
