There are more than 900 bat species world wide, comprising a quarter of all mammals. About 40 species of bats live in Canada and the United States. Fact and Fiction Many people in Western countries fear bats. People have passed on many superstitions and mistaken idea about bats, but these animals are well liked in China and Japan. Bats have traditionally been used as a symbol of good luck and good fortune in Chinese art.
Bats perform a valuable service for man by eating large numbers of insects.
Bats are often thought of as flying mice. Actually bats are more closely related to humans than mice. Misinformed people think of bats as symbols of evil and associates of Dracula. But in reality, most bats are very gentle animals that will bite only if they are frightened. Bat information for kids Organization for Bat Conservation - OBC is dedicated to protecting all bats through education, conservation, rescue, and ecological research.