All about Vampire Bats we bet you didn’t know

Many people associate vampire bats with Dracula. But is the resemblance valid? Sure the appearance makes you believe in it, but you must also understand that vampire bats aren’t genuinely evil. Specifically, there are three kinds of Vampire bats- the typical vampire bat, the white-winged vampire bat and the hairy-legged vampire. You may be able to find all of them in the American Rainforests. Although they look beasty, they hardly bite you. This is because they do not like human blood at all. However, they do suck up blood. If you are looking to know more about them, continue to read below and gain relevant information. 

1. Every bat is not a vampire bat

There are nearly 1300 vampire bat species of which the white-winged, hairy-legged, and typical vampire bats are the most well-known. They all live in Central America and maybe great at consuming blood. These bats are also known for having a high-protein diet which makes them navigate roosts on time. 

2. They were named after vampires 

We all agree that the name vampire bats is quite interesting. But did you know that these bats got named after vampires and not the other way round? Yes, vampire mythologies have been in existence for a long time. Their culture has also been quite well known all across the globe. The first time vampire bats were discussed I was in 1810. Darwin also decided to document them in 1839. But it was only in 1897 that these bats started being associated with vampires entirely. 

3. Vampire bats do not prioritise humans for meals

Surprisingly, these bats can easily feed on any animal. This makes their diet very distinctive and varied. They may feast on crocodiles, porcupines, snakes, and so much more. Sea Lions and penguins are also a part of it. The hairy-legged vampires generally like to prey on birds, mainly sleeping chickens.

On the other hand, the typical vampire bats feed on pigs, horses and even cows. So, if the vampire bats get a chance, they might try to attack a human. But that is quite rare, to be honest. Since vampire bats only drink around a tablespoon of human blood, it is evident that we are quite capable of surviving their attack without any hindrance. But in that case, it is imperative to get a shot of rabies if you think you have been preyed on by these bats. Such a thing ensures the safety of health every step of the way. 

4. They do not suck blood 

We often refer to vampire bats as creatures that suck blood. But it is not exactly true. Generally, these cute little beasts try to create a small incision near an artery. They will do this with their razor-sharp teeth and allow the blood to drip from the body. They will do this until the blood falls into a pool. That is when they start feeding on the blood. 

5. Vampire bats spits help with blood flow

The saliva of vampire bats works like magic due to its anticoagulant properties. Such a thing is best known as draculin. This helps combat the blood of the prey from clotting. It may also prevent the wound from sealing easily. In other blood-sucking insects like leeches and mosquitoes, you will be able to experience the same thing. That is why it is best used for stroke patients. 

6. They also inherit special skills

Since vampire bats are pretty severe about hunting for their food, they have developed many unique abilities that make this possible for them in no time. They have an infrared perception in their noses which lets these bats look for blood vessels near the surface of the host’s skin. Vampire bats have also reawakened their potential to run over the years. The typical vampire bat also has the potential to motor along with its thumbs, legs and wrists at more than three feet per second. Such a skill is most useful and may help them exponentially with a variety of factors. 

7. They provide complex social relationships 

Vampire bats also exhibit complex social relationships if you look at them closely. You are more likely to see this type of behaviour in dolphins, primates and even humans. They are also great at sharing food with other fellow mates in need. These vampire bats are also serious about their eating habits. Even if they skin two meals consecutively, they will starve like never before. That is why they need timely food to keep them healthy. But this is not the case with other bats you see around you. 

The bottom line 

We have already spoken about how fascinating these bats can be. So, if you would like to know this kind of information, make sure you give it a read once again. It will help you become thorough with this information in the long run. So, why keep waiting?