1. There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide

Bats can be found on nearly every part of the planet except in extreme deserts and polar regions. The difference in size and shape are equally impressive. Bats range in size from the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat (also called the Bumblebee Bat) that weighs less than a penny -- making it the world’s smallest mammal -- to the flying foxes, which can have a wingspan of up to 6 feet. The U.S. and Canada are home to about 45 species of bats and additional species are found in the U.S. territories in the Pacific and Caribbean.

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2. Not all bats hibernate

Even though bears and bats are the two most well-known hibernators, not all bats spend their winter in caves. Some bat species like the spotted bat survive by migrating in search of food to warmer areas when it gets chilly. 

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3. Bats have few natural predators -- disease is one of the biggest threat

Owls, hawks and snakes eat bats, but that’s nothing compared to the millions of bats dying from White-Nose Syndrome. The disease -- named for a white fungus on the muzzle and wings of bats -- affects hibernating bats and has been detected in 33 states and seven Canadian provinces. More than 6.5 million bats have died so far from White-Nose Syndrome. Scientists are working to understand the disease. You can help -- avoid places where bats are hibernating, and if you do go underground, decontaminate your clothing, footwear and gear.

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4. Without bats, say goodbye to bananas, avocados and mangoes 

Over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination. Bats help spread seeds for nuts, figs and cacao -- the main ingredient in chocolate. Without bats, we also wouldn’t have plants like agave or the iconic saguaro cactus. 

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5. Night insects have the most to fear from bats

Each night, bats can eat their body weight or more in insects, numbering in the thousands! And because bats eat so many insects -- which have exoskeletons made of a shiny material called chitin -- some bat poop sparkles (cool but weird fact, we know)! This insect-heavy diet helps foresters and farmers protect their crops from pests.

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Courtesy of U.S. Department of the Interior, see more bat facts at https://www.doi.gov/blog/13-facts-about-bats