Halloween movies often depict bats as creepy, disease-ridden creatures, but in reality, they're much more like sweet, cuddly puppies… with wings.
Take Eddie, for example.
Eddie is a tiny fruit bat (also known as a flying fox) who was born prematurely and found at a theme park. He was rescued by wildlife nurse and bat rehabilitator Rhi, who believes Eddie fell from his mother's grasp while she was flying one night. Since flying foxes cling to their mothers as they fly, Eddie, born early, didn't have the strength to hold on.
As Eddie recovered, his playful, affectionate personality began to shine through—much like a puppy’s. He quickly bonded with his caretaker, recognizing her voice, responding to his name, and even demanding belly rubs. He also displayed jealousy when other bats received attention.
Watch the heartwarming video below, courtesy of GeoBeats Animals:
Bats, like dogs, are social creatures. Rhi explains that they need a lot of affection as babies and bond deeply with their caregivers. Eddie's strong attachment to Rhi was a reflection of this need for social connection.
Despite his puppy-like behavior, Eddie, like all bats, needed to be returned to the wild. Rhi’s aviary releases its residents when they're ready, and Eddie has since taken to the skies. Every time Rhi looks out at the night, she wonders if she’ll see him flying by, a testament to the deep bond they shared.
Bats are not as dangerous as they're often portrayed. For example, contracting rabies from a bat is incredibly rare, and these creatures are crucial to our ecosystem. Fruit and nectar-eating bats pollinate over 500 species of plants, including those used for medicinal purposes and, perhaps most importantly, the agave plant, which provides the ingredients for tequila.
Bats also play a vital role in pest control. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that insect-eating bats save over $1 billion annually in crop damage and pesticide costs, particularly in corn production, with total savings across agriculture exceeding $3 billion.
So, it turns out bats are not only incredibly useful—they’re adorable too. It’s time to give these creatures the positive rebranding they deserve!