During spring, bats return from migration or awaken from hibernation and the females begin having baby bats called "pups".

Bat pups are tiny when born, but grow up fast.  Some species are flying and hunting on their own within a month of birth.

Bats, like people, usually only have one baby at a time although on occasion they'll have twins.

Pups are born without hair -- they look tiny, scrawny and pink.  They drink milk from their mothers like all mammals do.  They are born with strong legs and claws because they have to hang on to mom when she's roosting and to the cave when she's not there.  If the baby looses its grip and falls, it will die.

Bats are misunderstood animals. Because they are nocturnal or active at night, people think of them as spooky and dangerous. Bats are actually fascinating animals that are very helpful to humans. In some cultures, bats are symbols of good luck.

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. Although some bat species look like mice, bats are not closely related to rodents. Bats have their own scientific group name, which comes from Greek words meaning “hand-wing.” Look closely at the bat wing in the photo to see why the name fits.

Like all mammals, bats have fur-covered bodies. Their wings are a double layer of skin stretched over their arms and long fingers. People think of a bat’s skin as tough and leathery, but it’s really soft. (To find out how soft, touch your eyelid.)

Some microbats have strange “nose leaves” and projections on their lips. They use these features to help them focus sounds as they echolocate. Microbats have small eyes and large ears that are an adaptation for excellent hearing. Fruit bats lack these features because most do not echolocate. They have large eyes and short, rounded ears. Some fruit bats have faces that resemble foxes or dogs. That’s why the largest fruit bats are called “flying foxes.” For more information on bats