Kathy McLean, age 13, of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, for her question:
HOW CAN BATS FLY SO FAST AT NIGHT?
There are several hundred different kinds of bats. They are found in almost all parts of the world. Those living in cold climates either fly south in the winter or sleep all winter long in warm caves, hollow trees or even buildings.
Most bats eat small insects, although some eat fruit or fish. Our friend the bat, who looks like a mouse with wings, is the only mammal who is able to fly. Don't mention the flying squirrel here please since he can only glide but cannot fly.
Bats are usually night flyers. They like to sleep all day long by hanging on their hind claws with their wings wrapped around them like cloaks.
They have extremely keen senses of hearing. As they fly swiftly, they emit twittering sounds which are too high to be heard by the human ear. But these sounds echo back to the bats and serve as radar systems to guide their flights at night.
Scientists have conducted some interesting experiments to find out exactly how bats can fly in total darkness. One experiment put bats with their eyes completely covered into a room that was filled with a maze of strings. The bats were able to fly back and forth without touching a single string. However, they were completely helpless in finding their ways when either their ears or mouths were covered.
Speed is one of the bat's specialties. He can travel very rapidly and usually catches insects in the air. Sometimes, however, he entraps his meal in the wing membrane between the hind limbs and tail.
Walking is a bit of a problem for bats. it is difficult for them because of their wing structures and because their legs bend backward instead of forward.
Bats are actually very beneficial to man since they help destroy insect pests. Because of their night flying habits and their rather mysterious appearance, they are often associated in stories with evil and supernatural. But people should have no fear of them.
Waste material from bats living in large numbers in caves is called bat guano. It is a most valuable fertilizer and is sold commercially.
Another interesting item: Mother bats produce milk for their young.
And another thing: Wouldn't it be impossible to imagine Halloween without bats?