A comprehensive illustrated guide to the fascinating biology and natural history of bats. Phil Richardson's expert text tells the amazing and often bizarre story of bats from around the world and the challenges they face. Unfortunately, most bat populations in North America are declining, largely due to habitat loss and disturbance of nesting sites. Bats describes these mammals' complex life cycles and explains how anyone can watch and study bats and help to conserve them. Color illustrations reveal bat anatomy, including the key features of their wings and legs, and striking photographs show bats in their habitat and mid flight. The book includes: Physical characteristics and reproduction Sight and echolocation Feeding habits and hibernation Bat evolution and biology Bat behavior Carnivorous bats Horseshoe and Old World leaf-nosed bats Vampire bats and their relatives Tailed bats Vesper bats Species distribution map New information on the "white nose" virus threatening North American bat populations Almost anywhere humans live there are likely to be bats nearby. Highly readable and beautifully illustrated, Bats provides a welcome introduction to these elusive and unfairly maligned creatures.