Why Bats Sleep Reversed?

Lang – July 13, 2017

Why do bats like to sleep hanging and upside down huh? (Image: Pixabay.com}

Ever seen bats during the day?

It is rather difficult to find a bat when the sun shines, because they do include nocturnal animals , aka the type of animals that activity at night.

But this is interesting, because when we find a bat during the day, they are in a state of sleep. And guess what, how the bat position while sleeping?

Yes, right. Bats sleep in reverse position, feet above and head hanging below. Why do they do that?

The answer is twofold.

Firstly it relates to the way they fly. Bats are easier to fly by falling from high ground then flying. Not like in general birds that start flying from below or jump.

This is done to save energy. Imagine how much power it takes for a bat to jump when it has to start flying. Compared to that, falling from a height is far more energy efficient.

The second cause is because by sleeping in a high place in a dependent position, bats will be spared from many predators. Of course nobody wants to be disturbed or even eaten by snakes or wolves when sleepy, right?

Well other than the two causes above, can you find other causes?

Additional Info

In this world there are more than a thousand kinds of bats that are researched by humans. The smallest is called bumble-bee or hog-nosed bat from Thailand. So small, bumble-bee bats are known as the smallest mammals on earth.