Why Are Bats Associated With Vampires? (2024)

Posted by Phoebe Codling on 27th Oct 2017

Halloween is fast approaching guys, and it is easily my favourite holiday, bar Christmas! (Because y’know, Christmas is the best thing ever ever ever!) However, there’s something about All Hallows Eve that basically makes me revert back to my childhood state, plus it’s the BEST excuse to eat sweets and watch horror movies, surely?

But I digress; today we’re here to chat about an animal that’s heavily associated with Halloween, and the champion of all dressing up outfits – the Vampire. We’ve all been there, glow in the dark fangs, fake red blood that stains your face for days after trick-or-treating, and of course, the trademark plastic bat that hangs from your shoulder. But WHY is the humble bat associated with vampires, and why are these fascinating creatures so misunderstood? The vast majority of people know barely anything about them, but never fear, as I am here to change that for good! Next thing you know you’ll want a pet bat… maybe.

So first thing’s first, which came first the bat or the vampire? Jokes, obviously the bat, especially as vampires don’t actually exist (right?). Bats have been part of our ecosystem for literally fifty MILLION years. Conversely, the concept of vampires has only been part of the equation since Ancient Greece, although the modern day interpretation has only been around since the early 1500’s. However, the beginnings of the vampire-bat association are relatively simple. When the Americas were discovered by Europeans in the late 15^th and 16^th Centuries, explorers found the presence of the ‘Desmodus Rotundus’ in Central and South America, the creature that would later become known as the ‘Vampire Bat’. The reasoning for the name is simple; these particular bats feed on blood – as did the mythical Vampire, which was popular in early modern European folklore at that time. Many European explorers came across the creatures and wrote accounts of their experiences with said vampire bats, which usually involved a lot of blood. Although as was the norm in writings those days, many of these accounts will undoubtedly be vastly exaggerated.

It wasn’t actually until 1810 that the name became official and the term Vampire Bat was born. The majority of people are probably relatively surprised at the notion that Bram Stoker’s Dracula wasn’t involved in the naming of the vampire bat, most likely presuming that it played a significant role. However, Dracula wasn’t actually published until 1897, so whilst it plays a huge part in why bats are associated with vampires, it is not the initial reason. The immense popularity of Dracula, both the original novel and entertainment based on it in later years has cemented the link between bats and vampires, most likely for many more years to come. Stoker’s depiction of bats is vastly exaggerated, both in terms of size, power and obviously the fact that bats are able to turn into vampires, funnily enough! But the general knowledge of bats sucking blood (they actually lap it up rather than suck, don’t you know), and their nocturnal behaviour, is where the similarities end.

Making up 20% of our mammal species, there are actually only three species of bat that partake in the consumption of blood (oh the irony); and there are over a thousand other species that just consume insects and fruit. Bats have been cornered by folklore and its myths, and are unfortunately truly misunderstood creatures in the world today, thought to be creepy instead of cool. But they ARE cool, bats are bad-ass, and so, so important. First of all, they are vital to our ecology, having the important task of pollinating flowers and seed dispersal. They fill up our landscapes with the bounty of fruit and flowers, just as much as the celebrated bee. Bats are also the prime pollinator of the agave plant which is where we’ve been distilling tequila from for hundreds of years – no bats, no tequila! A tragedy, if you will.

They are also super important because of the sheer amount of insects they eat. Bats are a source of natural pest control because of their dietary choice, and they devour insects like nothing else. For example, Britain’s most common bat, the Pipistrelle (cute name, right?) eats up to 3000 insects in one single night. Greedy! PLUS, those particular bats are teeny tiny in size, just 5cm long maximum! So imagine how many insects a much larger bat could snaffle, around a thousand an hour apparently! Underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas there are approximately 1.5 million bats that live there, and every night they consume at least THIRTY THOUSANDS POUNDS of insects?! Isn’t that incredible? Take a look at this fascinating video by National Geographic to see a similar case!

I’m also here today to dispel a common myth which is mentioned alllllll the time, without you probably even realising (I actually say it a lot, ooops). The term ‘as blind as a bat’, doesn’t make that much sense really. You know why? Bats aren’t blind, people! They can see just fine. However, at night and to hunt, they use sonar (just like whales) to navigate. This particular type of sonar is called echolocation, and it’s very clever. Bats emit high pitched sounds which bounce off objects such as trees and houses, then is delivered back via echo to the bat in question. That echo means the bat can determine size, shape, texture and if the object is moving. That is definitely a superpower in itself!

Another case for why bats are underappreciated and misunderstood is an odd one. But hear me out – bat droppings are precious. Yes, you read that correctly. Ace Ventura fans might know what on earth I’m talking about but if you don’t, read on! Bat droppings, or Guano, are an extremely rich fertiliser due to its extremely high levels of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, and it’s widely used all around the world in farming. At one point it was Texas’s largest mineral export until oil took over – crazy!

So, after reading my ramblings, I’m sure you can see that the beautiful bat really is a misunderstood creature; one which deserves much more praise and recognition for the important role they play in our ecology. But bats are sadly under threat across the world, with issues such as simple building works affecting their habitats (known as roosts) and farmers using pesticides which are in turn affecting a bat’s food source. In the US and Canada, a fungal disease referred to as White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has killed at least seven million bats (last counted in 2012) and is still rapidly spreading across the United States with 33 states now infected. As a consequence of this disease, it was estimated in 2008 that at least 2.4 million insects will not be eaten as usual, therefore developing into a huge issue for farmers with regard to pest control. According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, bats save US farmers alone $3 billion annually in pest control – a huge figure, and a huge problem. If you’re interested in finding out more, give this a watch!

Ultimately, as you can see, bats are more than simply Halloween mascots, and they have much more to them than simply being the best bud of a vampire. They are super important for ecology across the world, and not at all scary like some people suggest! Recently there has been a call to protect bees, because of the amazing contribution they make to the world we live in, but I’m calling on you guys to do the same with bats! They are seriously neglected in conversations about conservation, but they do need our help! If you’re feeling sorry for the brilliant bats that roam our skies (and attics), then do something to help if you can. The Bat Conservation Trust offer lots of ways for you to help, so get on it!

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Bats and Vampires: The Association and Misunderstandings

Bats and vampires have been associated with each other for centuries, mainly due to the feeding habits of a particular bat species known as the Vampire Bat. This connection between bats and vampires started when European explorers discovered the presence of the Desmodus Rotundus bat in Central and South America during the late 15th and 16th centuries. These bats are known to feed on blood, hence the name "Vampire Bat."

The association between bats and vampires can be traced back to European folklore, where vampires were popularized during the early modern period. The explorers who encountered the Vampire Bats wrote accounts of their experiences, often exaggerating the blood-feeding habits of these bats. These accounts, along with the mythical associations of vampires, contributed to the connection between bats and vampires.

It is important to note that Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula," published in 1897, played a significant role in cementing the association between bats and vampires. However, the name "Vampire Bat" was officially given in 1810, predating the publication of "Dracula." Stoker's depiction of bats in the novel, including their ability to turn into vampires, was heavily exaggerated. In reality, bats do not have the ability to transform into vampires or possess supernatural powers.

The Importance of Bats in Ecology

Bats play a crucial role in our ecology and are often misunderstood creatures. They make up approximately 20% of mammal species and have diverse diets. While only three species of bats feed on blood, the vast majority of bats consume insects and fruit, making them important pollinators and seed dispersers.

Bats contribute to our ecosystems by pollinating flowers and spreading the seeds of various plants. They are particularly important in pollinating the agave plant, which is used to produce tequila. Bats also provide natural pest control by consuming large numbers of insects. For example, the Pipistrelle bat, one of Britain's most common bat species, can eat up to 3000 insects in a single night. Bats help control insect populations, which is beneficial for farmers and reduces the need for pesticides.

Bats and Echolocation

Contrary to the popular saying "blind as a bat," bats are not blind. They have good eyesight, but they rely on a technique called echolocation to navigate and hunt at night. Echolocation is a form of sonar, similar to what whales use, where bats emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects and return to them as echoes. By interpreting these echoes, bats can determine the size, shape, texture, and movement of objects in their environment. Echolocation is a remarkable adaptation that allows bats to navigate and hunt in the dark.

Bat Guano: A Valuable Fertilizer

Bat droppings, also known as guano, are highly valuable as a fertilizer. Guano is rich in nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, making it a nutrient-rich substance. It has been widely used in farming around the world. At one point, bat guano was even Texas's largest mineral export before the rise of the oil industry.

Conservation Concerns

Despite their ecological importance, bats are facing numerous threats worldwide. Habitat loss due to building works, the use of pesticides affecting their food sources, and the spread of diseases like White-Nose Syndrome in North America have put bat populations at risk. White-Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease, has caused significant bat mortality and poses a threat to their populations and the ecosystem services they provide.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect bats and their habitats. Organizations like the Bat Conservation Trust offer opportunities for individuals to contribute to bat conservation through volunteering and other initiatives. By raising awareness and taking action, we can help ensure the survival of these fascinating and important creatures.

Conclusion

Bats are more than just Halloween mascots or creatures associated with vampires. They play a vital role in our ecosystems as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers. Bats are not to be feared but are to be appreciated and protected. Their conservation is essential to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.