Even though a young bat is two-thirds grown at 6 weeks it will not become sexually mature until 2 years of age. Elsewhere they are considered pests and killed for destroying fruit crops. Studies, however, have shown that bats only eat very ripe and unmarketable fruit and may even help reduce fungi and fruit flies in commercial plantations. The rapidly declining numbers of certain fruit bats concerns scientists who feel that bats are being eliminated before their role in the balance of nature is fully understood. Bats, like most wild animals, will bite if handled, but if left alone they normally will avoid contact.
Bats are versatile.
The insect-eating type is a natural pesticide. Bat excrement, called guano, is sold as fertilizer. And seed dispersal and pollination activities of certain bats help tropical forests survive. Order your copy of Wild Lives Guidebook . Back to Wildlives main page .