Nature: Vampire Bats

by Jason Beck

Vampire bats occur only in South and Central America; Nicaragua is no exception. Masaya Volcano National Park’s Cueva de Murcielago is home to a colony of at least 2,000; they are common where ever caves or forests with hollowed out trees provide habitat.

 This article is not intended to incite fear, but to shed light on a most unusual animal. The truth about vampire bats is confused in myths and legends that originated in Europe (where there are no vampire bats). In some cases, the vampire myth from Europe was added to the description of the real animal, in other cases the life history of the bats was added to a vampire myth from Europe. May I introduce you to the Vampire Bat?

 

Explore Waves magazine: Previous Issues, Issue 8: Sep - Nov 2004, Nature
Tags: Between, caves, forests, Jason Beck, magazine, masaya volcano, murcielago, myths and legends, national parks, nature, nicaragua, the, vampire bats, Waves

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