The Australian fruit bat belongs to a family of old world bats known as megabats (batass!) and have also been referred to as the flying fox probably because they are huge. Some (like those pictured above) can reach 40 cm (16 inches) in length and attain a wingspan of 150 cm (5 feet).
They feed on fruit, pollen, and flowers, often aiding in the dispersion of seeds throughout the ecosystem. They are not yet listed as endangered but because of the the destruction of their native habitat they risk dwindling populations.
Despite their popular portrayal as haunted house dwelling, disease carrying mini-monsters they are quite shy, clean and very rarely spread disease to human populations. Plus, just look at 'em, I think that they are adorable.
The bats that don't echo-locate usually look pretty good. I believe they live a long time too, like 40 years. I also hear they're good eating. Nothing but love...
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