Major Concerns: Transmitting disease

Although bats have the ability to scare humans stiff, most pose little threat to humans, and, in fact, are quite helpful. Their greatest threat towards humans is through carrying disease like rabies, SARS, and possibly the Ebola virus. It is estimated that less than 1% of bats actually have rabies, but they remain the primary cause of rabies in humans. Infected bats are often disoriented and clumsy, making them more likely to fly close to humans. But, if bats are avoided or dealt with cautiously, they pose little threat, especially in the Western world.

The only other major complaints about bats is that some fruit bats will feed on growing crops, sometimes causing serious losses for farmers.

While they do a some harm, bats could also be considered Beneficial Animals. To lean how, click here.