Melbourne's Batty Bunch: Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared (For Cuteness)
Look, Melbourne! We all know this city's got its fair share of fascinating creatures – the elusive inner-city wombat (rumoured, never confirmed), the hipster magpie with its perfectly-coiffed plumage, and of course, our beloved tram network that shrieks like a banshee at 3 am. But tonight, we're diving into the world of Melbourne's most misunderstood residents: the bats!
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| What Bats Are In Melbourne |
Who are these mystery flyers?
Melbourne's bat scene is dominated by the Grey-headed Flying-fox. These fellas are actually fruit bats, which means they have a sweet tooth for delicious mangoes, figs, and anything else your backyard might be serving up. They're not blind like some might believe (thanks, Hollywood!), and they boast an impressive wingspan that can reach up to a metre! That's bigger than your average boomerang, folks.
There have also been whispers of the Little Red Flying-fox gracing Melbourne with its presence. These shy guys are smaller than their Grey-headed cousins and prefer a more low-key fruit-based lifestyle.
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But wait, there's more! Melbourne might be home to other, less common bat species, but these two are the rockstars of the local bat community.
Why are they hanging around?
Melbourne's become a bit of a bat-cation destination for a few reasons. The city's grown warmer, thanks to the urban heat island effect, making it a more comfortable spot for our sub-tropical friends. Plus, all those lovely trees we've been planting? Turns out they're a flying-fox's all-you-can-eat buffet!
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So, should you be scared? Absolutely not! Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and spread seeds. They're also generally quite shy and would much rather be enjoying a juicy mango than tangling with a human.
How to live in harmony with your batty neighbours:
- Respect their space: If you see a bat hanging out in your garden, leave it be. They're probably just resting up after a long night of fruit-gathering.
- Bat-proof your fruit trees (optional): If your prized mangoes are disappearing faster than you can say "guacamole", you can try using netting or other deterrents.
- Appreciate them! These little guys are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in our environment.
Remember: Bats are wild animals, so if you encounter one that's injured or distressed, contact a wildlife rescue organization.
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Batty FAQs:
How to identify a bat in Melbourne? Look for a large, fox-faced creature with leathery wings. If it's a bit smaller and reddish-brown, that might be the Little Red Flying-fox.
How to avoid a bat flying into your house? Close your windows at night, especially during dusk and dawn when bats are most active.
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How to attract bats to my garden? Plant native trees and shrubs that produce fruit and flowers. Bonus points for a reliable water source!
How to tell the difference between a bat and a giant moth? Honestly, at a glance, it might be tough. But bats have fur, while moths have scales. And trust us, you wouldn't want to cuddle a giant moth.
How to convince my friend bats aren't scary? Show them pictures of baby bats – they're ridiculously cute!
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