BAT FACTS - Myths & Truths about Bats Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind and do not try to become tangled in hair. Bats are not related to rodents! In fact, fruit bats may soon be reclassified as primates. Bats are the only flying mammals in the world. Flying squirrels do not fly, they glide! Seventy percent of all bats eat insects, about 30% eat fruit, pollen and nectar. Of the world"s 800+ species, only three are vampire bats, limited mostly to Latin America. Vampire bats do not attack humans; they are very small and generally drink the blood of animals. Bats are virtually disease free. Less than one-half of one percent of bats contract rabies. Nevertheless, a grounded bat should never be handled because it may bite in self-defense. Call a wildlife rehabilitator or an animal organization for help. Bats are vital to the ecosystem! Fruit bats bring us over 450 commercial products, including 80 medicines. Bats in the US eat millions of tons of insects annually. Alarmingly, bats are disappearing worldwide. They are now considered the most endangered land mammal in North America.