Where does the bat get its name?

In English, it is called “bat,” but in Japanese it is called “koumori.” Why is it called “koumori” in Japanese? Let me introduce you to the origin. Bats were already living in Japan around the Heian period. The name has undergone sound changes over time and has come to be called “koumori.” There are two theories about the origin of the name “koumori.” The first theory is that it changed from “kahahori” which was used in the Heian period to “kahabori” and then became “koumori.” The second theory is that it comes from their habitat or food. ・It means “kawamori”(river protector) as they protect rivers. ・It means “kahohuri”(mosquito killer) as they eat mosquitoes. ・It means “kawohori”(wanting mosquitoes) as they like mosquitoes. It is also thought that these names underwent sound changes and became “koumori".

Why do bats live there?

Bats have different habitats depending on the species. Commonly used habitats include caves, tunnels, trees, and human homes. Why do they prefer to live in such places? Bats prefer places that can protect them from rain and wind and where food is easily available. They also like human homes because they can live in warmth. If you are going to live somewhere, it’s best to choose a place where you can live comfortably.

What do bats eat?

Bats can be divided into three types depending on their food. 1）Insect-eating bats. Although I wrote that they eat insects, it is closer to omnivorous. It varies greatly depending on the type of bat and the environment in which it lives. They can eat a wide variety of things such as insects, flower nectar, meat, and fish. In the case of the familiar pipistrelle bat, it eats mosquitoes, midges, moths, and leafhoppers. It seems to eat about 300-500 insects first. It eats insects that humans do not like very much. 2）Fruit-eating bats. Also known as “fruit bats” in other names. The large-bodied and famous flying fox also feeds mainly on fruit. You might imagine that it eats meat because of its size. In some countries, there are regions where fruit bats are eaten as food, so they are considered edible bats. However, eating bats is actually very dangerous. This is because bats have a very high potential for carrying harmful bacteria and infections that are very harmful to humans. Therefore, when traveling abroad, it is not recommended to eat bat dishes.

3）Bats that drink animal blood. When you hear about bats that drink blood, some people may imagine “vampires.” There are only about three species of blood-sucking bats out of 980 species. To drink animal blood, they use their sharp incisors to tear the skin and then insert their tongue into the wound to drink. This type of bat can also share its food, which is blood, with its companions.

How do bats hunt for food in the dark?

Bats use ultrasonic waves emitted from their throats to find food. Specifically, by emitting ultrasonic waves and reflecting them off obstacles, they can obtain various information such as distance, direction, speed, size, and movement of obstacles. This process of obtaining information using ultrasonic waves is called “echolocation.” Thanks to echolocation, bats can fly around in dense caves without colliding with each other.

Is it true that bats are the only animals among mammals that can fly?

Mammals are a diverse group of animals with thousands of species, but the only mammals that can fly on their own are bats. Speaking of flying animals, there are also flying squirrels and sugar gliders, but what’s the difference? Flying squirrels and sugar gliders use a “gliding flight” method, which involves gradually falling down from the position they flew from while moving forward. They cannot fly freely using the wind like bats can. That is the difference between how bats and flying squirrels glide.

What are bat wings made?

For bats, their wings are their front legs. Like human fingers, the bones are divided into five parts. The bones are connected by a flexible membrane called a “flight membrane” between the bones. When flying, they can use their fingers with flight membranes to fly in complex ways.

Why do bats hang upside down?

There are two reasons why bats hang upside down. 1）To protect themselves from predators. By hanging high up, they can protect themselves from predators such as snakes and weasels. 2）It’s easier to fly in that position. By hanging upside down, they can take off immediately just by letting go of their feet. They can easily escape even if a predator approaches them.

Do bats hibernate?

Bats hibernate from around November to March and become immobile. They generally choose a place that can block rain and wind, such as a cave or a human house. However, the Japanese lesser tube-nosed bat hibernates in an unusual place. They make a cavity in the snow and spend the winter there. Snow has surprisingly good insulation, so it is thought that they can spend the winter more warmly than outside. The Japanese lesser tube-nosed bat intentionally lowers its breathing and heart rate to near-death state. By doing so, they can continue to live with minimal energy.

Why is it dangerous to touch bats directly?

Bats are dangerous because they carry parasites such as viruses and mites! In fact, there have been cases overseas where bats have carried rabies and Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Any virus is a very dangerous disease for humans once infected. To avoid infection with viruses and parasites, do not touch bats with your bare hands. If you find a dead bat, use something to pick it up instead of using your hands to handle it. Also, be careful when handling bat droppings. Bat droppings may contain mold spores, which can be harmful if inhaled. When cleaning, be sure to wear a mask, thick gloves, goggles, and other protective gear.

How do I scare away bats?

Some people may be troubled by bats living in their homes. Bats are protected by the “Act on the Protection and Control of Birds and Animals,” which prohibits capture and killing. Therefore, the only thing that can be done is to drive them out. If the homeowner wants to take measures themselves, there is a method of driving out bats with repellents or smoke bombs and then blocking the entrance. However, if even a small gap remains, bats will return because they have a homing instinct. If you want to be sure to drive out bats, you can also rely on professionals. It is safer to leave it to a professional who has knowledge of bats and there is no risk of inhaling bacteria. In addition, they can take measures and clean and disinfect so that bats do not return. It may cost money, but it is a safe and low-risk method.