Cparks / Pixabay
Happy Bat Appreciation Day! The often misunderstood, upside-down-hanging mammal is honored yearly with a special day—and social media users shared cute photos of bats to mark the occasion.
On Tuesday, thousands of people celebrated Bat Appreciation Day, which is observed annually on April 17. According to the National Day Calendar, “April is the best time of the year to observe bats, as they are now beginning to emerge from hibernation. National Bat Appreciation Day is also an excellent time to learn about the role bats play in nature.” Bats play an important role in our ecosystem and, according to the Bat Conservation Trust, serve as pest controllers, reforesters andpollinators for some plants.
The Nature Conservancy states, “There are 1,100 species of bats worldwide,” approximately 40 of which are in the U.S. Bats are capable of sustained flight and are also nocturnal, meaning that they find their food at night. Take a look at some more fun facts about bats:
- Some species can live for more than 30 years, according to the National Day Calendar
- Bats have incredibly strong immune systems, according to Forbes
- “One out of every five mammals in the world is a bat,” according to the San Diego Zoo
Many people took to Twitter to celebrate the spooky creature with adorable photos and gifs. See how social media celebrated Bat Appreciation Day below:
Social Media Celebrates Bat Appreciation Day with Adorable Photos of Flying Mammal
Happy bat day! #BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/W9Up8tQbVX
— Gemma Oleander (@g_oleander) April 17, 2018
Today is National Bat Appreciation Day so here’s some bats for y’all to appreciate. W(^.‿.^)w #BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/DtRhblkSjy
— Yuri Sisson (@OriginalYeezy) April 17, 2018
Flip a picture of bats hanging upside down and you have what looks like an epic dance-off!#BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/kGikwv1z5O
— Michael Clarke (@Mr_Mike_Clarke) April 17, 2018
Happy #BatAppreciationDay from this lucky escapee! pic.twitter.com/ql1P4mAuJS
— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) April 17, 2018
Not a harbinger of doom but a canary in the coal mine
Bats are hugely important for ecosystems, and research has proven they have complex social lives to rival elephants, dolphins and primates.
It is their absence we should fear.#BatAppreciationDayhttps://t.co/j9gOeK5MhR pic.twitter.com/gH32nBahOo
— Animals Asia (@AnimalsAsia) April 17, 2018
April 17 is Bat Appreciation Day. For those who like just hanging around. #BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/wNhDJHYFb7
— Sandra Boynton (@SandyBoynton) April 17, 2018
Time spent with three baby fruit bats in light blue and pink sleeping bags is never wasted #BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/3gxx0Ljxct
— Marcus Chown (@marcuschown) April 17, 2018
It’s #BatAppreciationDay time to enjoy a grape pic.twitter.com/HV2aQUbxRe
— Vegetarian Society (@vegsoc) April 17, 2018
Did you know that it’s #BatAppreciationDay today?!
Simon’s Cat didn’t… pic.twitter.com/ViG8XcIF2p— Simon’s Cat (@SimonsCat) April 17, 2018
We’re celebrating bats and all they do for humans: https://t.co/MCXvwIdmn3
Bats eat their body weight in insects
Bats pollinate 300+ species of fruit
Bats inspire medical marvels
Bats are essential to tequila#BatAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/fOEUmLTm0W— US Department of the Interior (@Interior) April 17, 2018
#BatAppreciationDay Every creature has a purpose today we celebrate bats: pollinators, pest controllers, and reforesters! pic.twitter.com/34MZGdUflT
— Carol Stewart (@AURPCarol) April 17, 2018
Happy #BatAppreciationDay! pic.twitter.com/r2BT6oaMLj
— Funko (@OriginalFunko) April 17, 2018
How are you celebrating Bat Appreciation Day? Which bat photo is your favorite? Sound off in the comments section below!
