Select File and then Print from your browser's menu. Heat sensors on its nose help the bat zero in on veins close to the skin, where it drinks about two tablespoons of blood a day. Fortunately, vampire bats inhabit only Central and South America, roosting in caves, trees, and deserted buildings. To spring onto its victim from the ground, the vampire bat evolved incredibly powerful forelimbs and chest muscles. After lift-off the tiny bat stabilizes itself, then yanks up its wings for the first flap of flight.
Most bats take flight only from a high perch.
They simply plunge in a quick free fall, then flap their leathery wings to fly. Scholastic, Inc. in association with The Gale Group and LookSmart.