Bats, Bats, Bats

Texas has thirty documented species of bats. That is more than any other state.

In sheer numbers, Texas may have as many as 500 million bats. Texas bats can consume up to six million pounds of insects per night.

Austin is known for their bat population. Tourists line up every night to see them take off for a night of hunting and feeding. The estimated number of bats in Austin is 1.5 million. That is a decent number, but it isn't the biggest.

Bracken Cave hold the honors for the largest colony in the world. 20 million bats make their home in that cave. You can find Bracken Cave out near New Braunfels.

Generally, people do not like bats. They don't seem friendly, cuddly or lovable. But bats serve their purpose. Texas is a lot more livable because of the bats. They keep the insects in check.

So give the bats their due. They do their part, and they do it well.