It’s not just the cuteness-overload drawing me to bats, but the variety within species and the role they play around the world. There are over 1,400 bat species worldwide, with 47 found in the United States and Canada. These remarkable fliers not only consume vast numbers of mosquitoes but also pollinate night-blooming flowers, making them enchanting and essential to healthy ecosystems. 

Despite their contributions to a comfortable evening, their populations are at extreme risk. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are ten endangered bat species in the U.S. and its territories. The North American Bat Conservation Alliance published a “State of the Bats” report in 2023, showing “52 percent of bat species in North America are at risk of populations declining severely in the next 15 years”. Endangered species can only recover with the help of humans.  Here are a few of the species endangered in the U.S.:

• Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) 
• Ozark big-eared bat (Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii ingens)
• Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) 

Why are bats important to the environment?

• Pest Control. Bats aren’t just skilled at creating detailed acoustic maps of their surroundings; they’re also nature’s pest control. It’s estimated bats provide a natural pest control to reduce crop damage and the cost of pesticides by over $1 billion each year.
• Pollination. Many bats are fruit or nectar-eating bats, which means as they fly from plant to plant, they’re pollinating those plants too. Bats not only maintain a healthy biodiverse ecosystem but contribute to our food supply.
• Seed Dispersal. When bats eat fruit, they in turn disperse the seeds further, adding to our ecosystem’s biodiversity and helping regenerate forests.
• Nutrient Cycling. In delicate cave ecosystems, bat scat, or guano, provides nutrients upon which other cave-dwelling creatures rely.

Color outside the bat cave! Download NWF’s bat coloring pages and choose your favorite bat to color or color them all.

Bat Survival

• But how do bats use echolocation? Bats emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects. When the sound returns, echoes off their enormous ears and pinpoints objects, allowing them to navigate their environment. Echolocation has been studied to aid in the development of airport machines and military sonar, a concept known as biomimicry. Other examples of biomimicry are Velcro, gecko’s grip, and spider’s silk. You can learn more about the Townsend’s big-eared bat, and other wildlife in the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Guide. 
• What do bats eat? Bats in the U.S. are mostly insectivores, meaning they eat insects, while the rest are frugivores and nectivores, or fruit-eating and nectar-eating, respectively. The frugivore and nectarivore bats’ feeding behavior means they are pollinators and play a critical role in our ecosystems. 
• Where do bats sleep during the day? A bat house provides a safe place for bats to roost, or rest, during the day. Some bat species hibernate, a long period of inactivity without feeding or drinking, while some migrate instead. Depending on the species, roosting sites can include caves, bat houses, under tree bark, house siding, attics, under bridges, and more. These roosts are essential for resting, raising young, and protection. Visit here to build a bat house to hang at home, school, or business. Better yet, watch Roanoke College’s video on the ins and outs of building and installing a bat box, funded by Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom College and University Grant Program. 

Help expand bat habitat! View our bat tip sheet and learn how to create bat habitat or build a bat house in your own backyard.

Think you’re ready to step up to bat and test your knowledge? Take our bat quiz!

How can you help?

Whenever I see the erratic flight of our nocturnal friendly fliers, I pause to appreciate the moment. Because while these threats are serious, there are practical steps you can take to help bats. When we help bats, we help our ecosystems. Here are some simple ways you can help in your backyard or in your community:

• Plant Native. One of the best ways to create habitat for wildlife is to install native plants.
• Build A Bat Box. Install a bat box in your yard to provide safe roosting space for endangered species, including the Northern long-eared bat, and other local bats. You can access tips, tools, and videos to help turn your outdoor space into a wildlife-friendly habitat. Watch a how-to video created by Roanoke College students for step-by-step guidance.
• Leave The Leaves. This fall, leave the leaves in your yard to provide winter shelter for several bat species.
• Turn Off Unnecessary Lights. Keep your yard darker to support bats, using red lights if illumination is needed, or better yet, minimize outdoor lighting altogether.
• Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers harm bats and other wildlife. Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops.
• Be A Voice for Wildlife. No matter how big or small we think we are, when we speak up together, our voices can have a huge impact! It can be as simple as talking to friends and family, writing letters, and sharing your voice on social media.
• Support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Encourage your Congressional representatives to fully support and help pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This historic wildlife legislation offers the best hope for addressing the nation’s wildlife crisis.

Read NWF blog about Bats and Halloween here!

Kids’ Corner

• Download bat coloring pages with fun facts!
• Find out how to look for bats!
• Read: 5 uses for bat wings
• Read: Flying Foxes
• Watch: How does a bat sleep?
• Activity: Make a bat finger puppet

Educator’s Call to Action

Bats, as the only flying mammals, are misunderstood and vital to our ecosystems. Engaging students in discussions about bats, the threats they face, and the actions they can take at home provides hands-on learning opportunities, sparking curiosity across science, ecology, conservation, and even history.

Educators can explore topics such as:

• Food webs & ecosystems
• Nocturnal vs. diurnal animals
• True flight
• Echolocation
• Biodiversity
• Conservation challenges
• Bats and Halloween

However, it saddens me that the reliance we have on bats for our healthy and diverse ecosystems is overshadowed by the scariness and fear bats are unfairly associated with Halloween. Bats haven’t always fostered such trepidation and misunderstandings. The Celts, during their celebration of Samhain, wore costumes to ward off ghosts and lit bonfires, which attracted moths and insects, ultimately attracting bats. Did this association perpetuate the fear surrounding bats? Perhaps this is the genesis of the legend, but here you can read more about the history of bats and Halloween.

Today, beyond myths and folklore, bats in the U.S. and across the globe face innumerable threats and learning about their biology and endangered status is the first step toward protecting them.

Color outside the bat cave! Download NWF’s bat coloring pages and choose your favorite bat to color or color them all.

Quick Bat Facts!

• Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight.
• North American bats play key ecological roles.
• White-nose syndrome is a serious threat.
• Most bats do not carry rabies.
• Bats are not blind and use echolocation to navigate their environment.
• Humans can help bats thrive.
• Bats live on every continent, except Antarctica.

Bat Myths

• Are bats blind? Bats are often misunderstood, yet vital to healthy ecosystems. The myth that bats are blind doesn’t hold up, as most have excellent eyesight, and many can even see well in low light. But vision is only part of their story. Bats also rely on echolocation, using their immensely intricate ears to navigate the night and hunt with precision. The ears of bats vary widely between species, such as the Spotted Bat and Townsend’s big-eared bat.
• Can I get rabies? Understandably, some people worry about getting rabies from bats. While all mammals can carry rabies, most bats do not have rabies. But, if you ever find a bat in your home, never touch it; their teeth are so small a bite may go unnoticed. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recommends opening several windows and allowing the bat to leave on its own or contact a licensed wildlife professional. Only a small percentage of bats test positive for the disease, and transmission to humans is rare. Still, the CDC advises against handling bats directly and recommends professional help if you encounter one.

Help expand bat habitat! View our bat tip sheet and learn how to create bat habitat or build a bat house in your own backyard.

Threats to Bats

However, these curious flying creatures are at risk for numerous reasons, such as habitat loss, disease such as white nose syndrome, climate change, human disturbance, chemical use, artificial illumination, and more. Read about some of these threats to bats not only in the U.S. but all over the world, followed by how you can help.

• Habitat Loss. Destruction of forests, loss of native plants, demolition of old buildings, and increased urbanization have resulted in the loss of available roosting and foraging areas.
• White Nosed Syndrome. White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease affecting hibernating bats, causing them to wake repeatedly during hibernation and depleting their fat reserves needed to survive.
• Climate Change. Shifting temperatures and extreme weather events, like wildfires, droughts, and intense storms, can devastate bat habitats, even within the safety of caves.
• Wind Turbines. Collisions with wind turbines kill hundreds of thousands of bats each year and are a leading cause of bat mortality in North America and Europe.
• Chemicals. Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers, as these chemicals can poison bats and other wildlife.
• Light Pollution. Although bats are not blind, artificial light disrupts their navigation, roosting, and feeding behaviors.

Test your knowledge about bats with our bat quiz!

How can you help?

Whenever I see the erratic flight of our nocturnal friendly fliers, I pause to appreciate the moment. Because while these threats are serious, there are practical steps you can take to help bats. When we help bats, we help our ecosystems. Here are some simple ways you can help in your backyard or in your community:

• Plant Native. One of the best ways to create habitat for wildlife is to install native plants.
• Build A Bat Box. Install a bat box in your yard to provide safe roosting space for endangered species, including the Northern long-eared bat, and other local bats. You can access tips, tools, and videos to help turn your outdoor space into a wildlife-friendly habitat. Watch a how-to video created by Roanoke College students for step-by-step guidance.
• Leave The Leaves. This fall, leave the leaves in your yard to provide winter shelter for several bat species.
• Turn Off Unnecessary Lights. Keep your yard darker to support bats, using red lights if illumination is needed, or better yet, minimize outdoor lighting altogether.
• Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers harm bats and other wildlife. Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops.
• Be A Voice for Wildlife. No matter how big or small we think we are, when we speak up together, our voices can have a huge impact! It can be as simple as talking to friends and family, writing letters, and sharing your voice on social media.
• Support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Encourage your Congressional representatives to fully support and help pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This historic wildlife legislation offers the best hope for addressing the nation’s wildlife crisis.

More resources

• NWF’s Build a Bat House
• NWF Blog: Story Time: The Eastern Red Bat’s Blanket of Leaves

Did you know that October is Bat Appreciation Month? Read more bat facts here!

Fact Sheet 

Increasing Weather Extremes from Climate Change

Rain. Baseball’s mortal enemy. Thanks to climate change, extreme weather conditions are becoming the new normal. Last year, 54 Major League Baseball (MLB) games were postponed due to rain and other extremes like ice/snow/cold — the second-most weather-related postponements since the MLB started keeping track in 1986.

These climate trends and shifting rainfall patterns are going to continue to affect baseball around the country. Only seven of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums have roofs, so most teams are very vulnerable to weather-related issues. The remaining 23 MLB teams have 20 major cities that they call home (some cities have more than one team). The Weather Channel’s Climate Disruption Index looked at six factors to determine the top 25 U.S. cities most vulnerable to climate change: sea-level rise, extreme precipitation, extreme drought, urban heat islands, and changes in precipitation and temperature. Of the 20 cities hosting roofless MLB teams, over half of them were among the 25 cities the Climate Disruption Index lists as most at-risk from climate change.

But these changes will not affect every part of the country in the same way. FiveThirtyEight recently reported that areas like the Midwest have been getting drenched with rain by more frequent and more severe storms, while more recent climate models are projecting increasing likelihoods for droughts in other areas of the country.

If these trends continue, baseball teams around the country may have to find a way around either too little or too much rain. This is in addition to the higher temperatures all season long that both fans and players will have to endure. Once baseball literally becomes the hottest sport in America due to climate change, both the fans and players will have to find ways to adapt.  

Humidity and Home Runs

Watching someone hit a home run is one of the biggest thrills in baseball. But did you know that humidity can play a big role in how easily the ball can fly through the air? When air is more humid, it means that there are more water molecules in the air. According to Popular Science, that water displaces heavier gases like nitrogen and oxygen — decreasing the air density and making it easier to hit balls further.

This may seem like a minor issue, but Major League teams are concerned enough that they’ve started storing their baseballs in humidors to prevent this problem. Sports Illustrated reported that the Colorado Rockies have stored their balls in a humidor since 2002, with the Arizona Diamondbacks following their lead for the 2018 season. Popular Science noted that, while Denver had an average Earned Run Average (average runs per 9 innings pitched) over two points higher than other MLB stadiums from 1995-2001, once they started using their humidor, the average ERA dropped by about a run. Sports Illustrated also reported that Major League Baseball mandated that all teams for 2018 store their balls in “an air conditioned and enclosed room” that has a sensor so MLB can determine whether or not every team should be forced to have a humidor in the future.

Another factor affecting home runs is temperature – warmer air is less dense than cooler air, meaning that sweltering southern stadiums could see balls fly farther than in their northern counterparts. With average air temperatures increasing across the country due to climate change – and an increasing number of days per year hitting temperatures over 90 degrees F – less dense air may contribute to higher numbers of home runs.

Everyone loves to see home runs, but climate change will mean that humidity changes will affect teams differently depending on their stadiums’ altitude and geography. As climate change makes some stadiums more humid while others become less, MLB will need to work to make the playing field as level as possible for hitters and pitchers alike.

Ash Trees and an Invasive Beetle

Ash is one of the most popular materials for baseball bats. Ash wood has a little bit more give than a harder wood like maple, which means that baseballs spring off the bat when hit, not unlike a trampoline. Maple bats are harder, with a denser grain, so they don’t flex as much as ash bats, and the extra flexibility in ash bats gives them a larger “sweet spot” than maple bats — making ash a popular choice for baseball players.

Unfortunately, the number of ash trees has been decimated due to an invasive beetle with a shiny, green shell called the emerald ash borer.

The beetle lays eggs in ash trees and then its larvae burrow into the tree and eat away at the bark, disrupting the trees’ nutrient systems and eventually killing them. Originally from northeastern Asia, the invasive beetle was first discovered near Detroit, Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has been discovered in 35 states and has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees and caused millions of dollars in damages.

With fewer cold days to reduce their populations each year, the beetles are expanding their range in parts of North America. Efforts are underway to contain the beetle, but this has been difficult because their eggs can lie dormant and the trees frequently display no external symptoms. This means that infected ash wood is often transported to new territories by hapless hikers and campers in bundles of firewood. More research and studies are underway to develop new methods to contain the emerald ash borer, but unless we can get this invasive beetle under control, ash bats may be a thing of the past.

Take action for climate change – tell your governor and members of Congress to step up and lead on climate!

Take Action!

Full of colorful imagery, magic, legends, moral lessons, and laughable falsehoods, bestiaries still provide us with entertainment and insight today –though, they often tell us more about the author and the audience than the actual animals described.

These ancient manuscripts were describing Eurasian and African species that the authors had seen or heard about from contemporaries, but we have similar wildlife across the pond. Here are a few of our favorite historical misconceptions and myths about Eurasian animals ー and actual facts about their North American counterparts that we know and love:

Lynx

MYTH: According to the ancient Roman poet, Ovid, the urine of the lynx turns to stone upon contact with air.

FACT: This is assuredly false. It’s unclear whether Ovid had ever actually seen a lynx before, but a lynx could certainly have seen him – these impressive nocturnal hunters can spot prey in the darkness from 250 feet away.

Eagle

MYTH: The 13th century monk Bartholomaeus Anglicus wrote that the eagle is first among all birds and generously shares her prey with other, lesser birds that follow her. 

FACT: In reality, eagles like the bald eagle are mostly solitary creatures. The only birds they share prey with are their mate and young offspring, providing food for their eaglets for several months until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt independently. 

Fox

MYTH: The fox is a deceitful, crafty creature that only runs in circles – never a straight line –  according to seventh century bishop, Isidore of Seville. 

FACT: To set the record straight, foxes are capable of running in any direction. They have a reputation for cunning because they adapt well to human development and find food easily, even during the winter.

Bees

MYTH: Pliny the Elder wrote in the 1st century CE that bees choose their king and protect him because they cannot live without him. 

FACT: Sorry, Pliny, bees don’t have a king – they have a queen! Queen bumblebees can live for a year, while worker bees live for just a month.

Panther

MYTH: A 13th century Middle English manuscript describes panthers as gentle, sweet-smelling creatures that feed on their enemy, the dragon. 

FACT: The highly-endangered Florida Panther has numerous enemies, but none of them are dragons: Habitat loss, low genetic diversity, and lack of safe road crossings threaten this rare creature’s survival.

Bat

MYTH: Isidore of Seville parroted the common medieval misconception that bats were a strange type of bird. 

FACT: Now, we know that bats are flying mammals. The United States is home to more than 40 species, ranging from the tiny western pipistrelle bat – weighing less than a penny – to the greater mastiff bat, which weighs about two ounces.

Like what you read? Please consider making a donation to support our commitment to science-based wildlife conservation:

Completing your bracket is easy, but make sure you get it in before submissions close on March 15th! We’ll be announcing the winner on March 16 to close out our celebration!

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Learn more about National Wildlife Week

Round 1, 32 competitors: February 27th – March 6th
Round 2, 16 competitors: March 7th – March 10th
Round 3, 8 competitors: March 11th – March 12th
Round 4, 4 competitors: March 13th – March 14th
Championship Round: March 15th – March 16th
Winner Announced: March 17th

It’s time to get going on Round 1! These 32 North American native species aren’t just fierce competitors, they’re also available for adoption! Symbolic adoption, that is. Symbolic adoptions support the National Wildlife Federation’s work conserving and protecting North American wildlife, while helping you learn more about your favorite animal (and as you’ll see below, some of them come with very cute stuffed animal replicas). Read on for the Round 1 match-ups and click through the photos to symbolically adopt one of our Final Fur competitors!

Vote Now

Beasts of the Northeast

  vs  

HUMPBACK WHALE  vs  GREAT HORNED OWL

The humpback whale packs a mighty punch, but don’t count the great horned owl out just yet. The soft feathers on these birds give them the ability to sneak up silently on their prey, giving the owl a much-needed advantage against his massive opponent.

  vs   

RIVER OTTER  vs  NORTHERN CARDINAL

Waves and sky face off again in this match up. The river otter might look friendly, but her agility and speed will help her keep up with her flighty, brightly colored competitor.

  vs  

MALLARD  vs  COMMON OCTOPUS

It’s wings against arms in this battle of the water beasts. The mallard may have flight on his side, but don’t underestimate the disorienting power of an inky cloud!

   vs  

BAT  vs  ATLANTIC PUFFIN

The competition heads to the sky as everyone’s favorite airborne mammal takes on the cheerful sea parrot. Choose sides as these two battle for supremacy in the air.

It’s a Southern Thing

    vs  

MONARCH BUTTERFLY  vs  BROWN PELICAN

Float like a butterfly…or soar like a pelican? These two warm weather-loving creatures are taking this match-up to the skies.

    vs  

WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE  vs  FLORIDA PANTHER

Reptiles or mammals? Baseball or hockey? Desert or swampland? These two southerners don’t agree on much, which makes for an excellent match up. When the dust from Round 1 settles, will we be hearing a victory rattle? Or a purr of contentment?

  vs  

NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO  vs  BLACK BEAR

With a series of bony plates guarding his back, the nine-banded armadillo is ready to put on a solid defense against his formidable, fuzzy opponent: the black bear. But will a strong defense be enough to keep the bear at bay? Or will larger paws prevail?

    vs  

GREEN SEA TURTLE  vs  BARKING TREE FROG

From the depths of the sea to the tops of the trees, this match up has a little bit of something for everyone. Only you can decide if the barking tree frog will be able to hop over the competition or if the green sea turtle will swim on to victory.

Home on the Range

    vs   

MOUNTAIN LION  vs  DESERT TORTOISE

The tortoise might have been able to beat the hare, but will he be able to best the stealthy mountain lion? Expect the desert tortoise to dig in and stand his ground against his feline foe.

  vs  

BISON  vs  BALD EAGLE

It’s the battle of American icons! In May 2016, the bison was named national mammal of the United States, and the bald eagle has been the national symbol since 1782. Expect this patriotic match up to be one for the ages.

    vs   

PRONGHORN  vs  PRAIRIE DOG

Both highly social mammals native to the Great Plains, the pronghorn and the prairie dog each have a large extended family in their corner. This face-off is sure to be quick-moving and well attended.

    vs  

AMERICAN PIKA  vs  BIGHORN SHEEP

The pika may be small, but that doesn’t give her much of an advantage against her opponent on the rocky, narrow ledges both of these animals favor. The bighorn sheep is able to balance on shelves as small as 2″ across! This high-altitude battle is sure to be anything but boring.

You CAN Handle the Chill

  vs   

MOUNTAIN GOAT  vs  ORCA

The hyper-intelligent orca faces off against the nimble mountain goat. Will echolocation be able to help the “sea wolf” locate his opponent? Or will the mountain goat’s camouflage and climbing abilities lift him to Round 2?

    vs  

WALRUS  vs  CANADA LYNX

The elusive Canada lynx will need to use all her wiles when going up against the walrus and his powerful tusks. Don’t count this small cat out yet, though. The Canada lynx has been expanding her range lately, recently spotted as far south as Vermont, so it’s not much of a stretch to think she might just stake her claim to victory, as well.

  vs   

POLAR BEAR  vs  MOOSE

A true battle of the titans. Here the largest land carnivore on earth is facing off against the largest member of the deer family (and at over 1000 lbs, that’s a lot of deer). These massive northern mainstays virtually guarantee an earth-shaking competition.

    vs   

HARP SEAL  vs  ARCTIC FOX

Arguably our cutest match up, the harp seal has size on his side (a full grown seal can weigh 600 lbs!) but the arctic fox is quick and cunning. Expect these winter warriors to be well matched in their battle.

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to get this party started! The road to the Final Fur opens on Monday, February 27th, don’t forget to vote for your favorites!

Vote Now