Bats are unique among mammals for their ability to fly. Their nocturnal habits and diverse species spark considerable interest, often leading to questions about their life cycles. A common point of curiosity revolves around the terminology for their young, as well as the early stages of their development. This exploration delves into the specific name given to baby bats and their journey from birth to independence.
The Simple Answer: Bat Pups
A baby bat is called a “pup.” This term is not exclusive to bats; it is also used for the young of various other mammals, including dogs, seals, and even some rodents like guinea pigs and hedgehogs. For bats, this designation highlights their mammalian classification and their shared characteristic of being born live and nursed by their mothers. The use of “pup” provides a simple and clear answer.
Life as a Young Bat
Bat pups enter the world in maternity roosts, often in locations like caves, trees, or buildings, where female bats gather to give birth and raise their young. A female bat gives birth to a single pup each year, though some species can have twins or, more rarely, triplets. At birth, these tiny pups are blind and hairless, appearing pinkish and weighing very little, sometimes less than an ounce.
Newborn pups are dependent on their mothers for warmth, nourishment, and protection. They cling to their mother’s fur using their tiny claws and feet, latching onto her nipples, which are located in the underarm area. This grip allows the mother to carry her young, sometimes during foraging flights in the early stages, though pups are often left in the roost with other young while mothers hunt.
Pups nurse on their mother’s milk, which is rich in fat and protein, supporting their rapid growth. They nurse for four to five weeks, though this period can extend up to two months depending on the species and environmental conditions. Around three to eight weeks, pups begin to fly, starting with clumsy, short flights within the roost. They gradually improve their flight skills, and by six to eight weeks, many are ready to leave the roost and begin foraging for themselves, learning skills like echolocation and navigation from their mothers.