Bats

Bats are unique mammals with their forelimbs adapted as wings and they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more maneuverable than most birds, and the fastest bat, the Mexican free-tailed bat, can achieve a ground speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).Flight has enabled bats to become one of the most widely distributed groups of mammals. Apart from the Arctic, the Antarctic and a few isolated oceanic islands, bats exist in almost every habitat on Earth. Bat roosts can be found in hollows, crevices, foliage, and even human-made structures, and include "tents" the bats construct with leaves. Most microbats are nocturnal and megabats are typically diurnal or crepuscular. Some bats lead solitary lives, while others live in colonies of more than a million. Bats are among the most vocal of mammals and produce calls to attract mates, find roost partners and defend resources. These calls are typically low-frequency and can travel long distances. When not flying, bats hang upside down from their feet, a posture known as roosting. When on the ground, most can only crawl awkwardly. Bats provide humans with some direct benefits, as well as some disadvantages. Depending on the culture, they may be symbolically associated with positive traits, such as protection from certain diseases or risks, rebirth, or long life, but in the West, bats are popularly associated with darkness, malevolence, witchcraft, vampires, and death.