• The only mammals capable of flight, bats live in most areas of the world, excluding the north and south polar regions. There are over 900 different species of bats which comprise approximately 20% of all mammal species. Animal Diversity Web: Bat Information

• 1. Average life span: 5 yearsSan Diego Zoo: Mammals: Bat
  2. Weight: 0.05-3.3 poundsSan Diego Zoo: Mammals: Bat
  3. Use echolocation to locate their prey
  4. Most species live in large colonies
  5. 70% of bat species eat insectsDefenders of Wildlife: Bats
  6. Some species eat fruit or nectar
  7. Larger bats are carnivorous and prey on small birds, fish, lizards and frogs
  8. May consume up to 1,000 insects in one hourU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Introduction to Bats

• Winged Mammals

  Bats' wings are similar in structure to the human hand, although four of the "finger" bones are elongated and connected by a thin membrane. The bats' "thumb" is a hooked claw which they use to cling to branches. San Diego Zoo: Mammals: Bat

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