When we think of bats, an unfavorable image often comes to mind. Whether it's the scary portrayal of them in vampire films and literature or a general fear of how their real-life counterparts might transmit viruses, bats have gotten a bad rap that's actually more fiction than fact. Take a look at how many common bat misconceptions came about and just how vital bats are to our everyday lives.

The National Geographic Society, committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world, has funded Explorers Kristen Lear's, Rodrigo Medellín’s, and Daniel Streicker’s work. Learn more about the Society’s support of Explorers at nationalgeographic.com/impact.

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