Myths About Vampire Bats

Unlike the mythical creature they are often associated with, vampire bats do exist. Vampire bats include three species of bats that live in Central and South America: the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), the hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata), and the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi). These bats received their names when explorers observed them feeding on the blood of livestock.

Sucking Blood

Vampire bats do not suck the blood of their victim. Instead, they bite their victim and then lap up the blood. They have special chemicals in their saliva that both numb the area and prevent the blood from clotting.

Attacking Humans

Vampire bats do not attack humans. Instead, they feed off of large birds, cows, horses and pigs. Also, there has never been a single case of a bat flying into someone's hair.

Vampires and Bats

Vampires have not always been associated with bats, although both were considered mysterious and somewhat supernatural. Bram Stroker's "Dracula" was the first known connection. Stoker had seen a newspaper article on the bats and decided to include it in his book.

Large Size

Vampire bats are not very large. At full size, they are only about the size of a candy bar with a wingspan of about 8 inches.

Killing Prey

Vampire bats do not kill their prey. They only take about a teaspoon or two of blood at a feeding. Since bats rarely carry rabies, there is no chance their victims will die from that disease either.

References

• Bat World: What You Though You Knew is Probably Wrong
• Vampire Bats: Myths and Fact
• Bats, Vampires & Dracula