10/14/2026
Our next Not-So-Creepy Animal is the beautiful bat! 🦇
While some people think bats are scary to be around, these misunderstood animals are really just trying to survive. They aren't out to attack people. They're usually just hunting for a good meal (and humans are definitely not on their menu, we promise!).
Some people fear bats will come after them like something out of an old vampire story, or maybe fly into their hair like a rerun of that unforgettable episode of "The Office!" But the reality is that bats are simply flying around looking for food most of the time.
And while their seemingly erratic flight patterns may concern some, there's actually a good reason for them! Most bats use echolocation to help navigate their surroundings, locate food and avoid obstacles. So, while it may look like they're flying out of control, they're actually skilled navigators doing their best to avoid you.
In fact, we should be thanking our local bats! Their hefty appetite for insects, including those pesky mosquitoes, helps naturally control insect populations and keeps our ecosystems healthy.
Lucky for Delaware, we have several bat species helping us out, including big brown bats, little brown bats and the federally endangered northern long-eared bat.
So, the next time you see a bat flying overhead, remember that these nighttime creatures aren't nearly as creepy as they seem. They're just looking for their next meal while helping keep insect populations in check! 🦇
📷 : USFWS
