Many people in Western countries fear bats, but these animals are well liked in China and Japan. A number of Oriental artists have portrayed bats as signs of good luck, happiness, and long life. Most bats are harmless to people. But bats may have rabies. For this reason, bats should not be handled.
Bats perform a valuable service for people by eating large numbers of insects.
Some caves have been the home of bats since prehistoric times and have large deposits of guano. The body of a bat Bats vary in appearance and size, depending on the species. Bats that live in the open may have bright colors and markings. Those that live in dark, sheltered areas have black, brown, gray, red, or yellow fur. It is one of the smallest known mammals in the world.