Chapter 16 Exercise 21, Page 367

Exercise 21

Page 367

Bats

What do people in your country think of bats? Are they mean and scary creatures, or are they symbols of both happiness and luck?

In Western countries, many people have an unreasoned fear of bats. According to scientist Dr. Sharon Horowitz, bats are not only harmless but also beneficial mammals.

“When I was a child, I believed that a bat would attack me and tangle itself in my hair. Now I know better,” said Dr. Horwitz.

Contrary to popular Western myths, bats do not attack humans. Although a few bats may have diseases, they are not major carriers of rabies or other frightening diseases.

Bats help natural plant life by pollinating plants, spreading seeds, and eating insects. If you get rid of bats that eat overripe fruit, then fruit flies can flourish and destroy the fruit industry.

According to Dr. Horowitz, bats are both gentle and trainable pets. Not many people, however, own or train bats, and bats themselves prefer to avoid people.