Few mammals are as shrouded in fear and superstition as bats. InWestern culture, bats are regarded as symbols of doom and darkness andare often associated with horror stories in the Dracula tradition.Undoubtedly, some of this fear and superstition stem from anunfamiliarity with these mammals.

In fact, bats are among nature's most fascinating animals. Theydisplay a number of remarkable adaptations for their unique lifestyle.They are the only mammals equipped with wings, and they have the uniqueability to fly and find food in total darkness, a characteristic whichhas long been the subject of a great deal of curiosity.

The Bats of British Columbia presents a comprehensivesummary of what we do know about the sixteen species of bats in BC,eight of which occur nowhere else in Canada. Filled with a large numberof beautiful and evocative drawings, the book includes descriptions,distributions, and natural histories for each species. It also containsa thorough discussion featuring lifestyle, echolocation, hibernation,roosting sites, conservation and public health issues regarding bats.External and cranial keys and illustrations aid in identification.