Why are bats so feared?

Question

Most of them eat insects. Some fruit. Only one I know of, the Vampire bat drinks blood, and they usually go after cattle.

Most do not have rabies nor fly into your hair. You'd be more likely to encounter rabies from opossums or raccoons.

Answer 1

You are right, the general frenzy over bats is all based on myth. It is rare for bats to carry rabies, they don't actually get tangled in hair and they pose no threat to humans. If some really wants to fear rabies, stay away from dogs in cities, you'd be surprised how many people don't get the right shots or don't have them up to date.

Well, long time ago many thing in the forest DID carry rabies (people are STILL afraid of wolves for this), it was not known that bats swooped down to get rid of the cloud of mosquitoes buzzing about. Also some folk believed they were vampires or in the service of witches. Now I'm talk a few centuries ago here.

However, many of these fears and thoughts have stayed in peoples minds.

Also, some bats look REALLY bizarre, and people often don't like things that are not cute to look at. (How many PETA members care about the possible extinction of Atlantic Cod?)

So you put all that together and you have the basis of this ridiculous phobia.

I like bats, more bats, less fly bites! This should be promoted by people with West Nile Virus phobias as well.

Answer 2

People fear them for various reasons, mostly ignorance of the animal. The real fear is they can and do carry rabies. Bats are great creatures that consume insects. Although as you stated the fruit bat of the Phillipines can have a wing span of up to six feet. And Vampire bats do not attack humans as a rule.

Answer 3

Folklore and the movies have created a false impression of bats. Bats are very good for getting rid of insects at night.

Bats are also feared because they can carry rabies.

Answer 4

Most of the fear is superstition as evidenced in a couple of the answers here: RABIES, GET IN YOUR HAIR. A lot of our fears come from the lack of knowledge of what we are afraid of.

Answer 5

My 7 year old daughter is infatuated with bats. She loves them and wants to know why we can't have one as a pet. If they sold bats in a pet store, I'd have one or two by now. Personally, I think they're cute.

Answer 6

The same reasons why rats are feared. Myths and bad Hollywood movies. Plus people are afraid of what they don't know or understand.

Answer 7

Back in ancient times people had little understanding of thing that only came out at night. And those ancient people feared the night.......... And they did not know that bats helped fertilized the plants of this planet. As well as helped them find food... The night held terror for these people. When they could not see or plant or do anything but stay in their caves and cower in fear........................ And later in their homes................................

Answer 8

They most likely have rabies.

Answer 9

The reason for most fears is lack of knowledge.

Answer 10

Flying rodents that mistake your hair for a moth....