It's the time of year for vampires! Vampire bats that is! It is a common misconception that vampire bats suck blood. They actually cut a tiny slit in an animal’s skin with their razor-sharp front teeth and lap up the blood. Chemicals in the bat’s saliva prevent clotting so the blood flows freely until it has had its fill, which is generally less than an ounce. | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

"Maaahhhmm!” Common vampire bats (𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴) form close familial bonds, especially mothers and pups. Here, a pup calls out for its mom who then returns (perhaps from an evening of hunting). But even if mom didn’t return, another bat mom may “adopt” the pup, even nursing it. Just another reason common vampire bats should be admired, not feared. Help us turn fear into facts this bat month and donate to support Brazilian bats that are facing unfair persecution. ❤️ | Bat Cons