Bats: Lucky Charm, Harbinger Of Doom, Animal In Need Of Protection

In Chinese culture they are lucky charms, in Europe they are a sign of evil, death and the devil - bats. They used to be called "flittermouse" which matches the name in other Germanic languages like German (Fledermaus) or Swedish (fladdermus). The term is related to the fluttering of wings. Bats have been native to Germany for 50 million years but are now threatened by extinction. In addition to environmental protection, you can support bats by building them nesting boxes. Bats, along with Jack o'Latnerns, may be a symbol of Halloween but at this time of year, they don't flutter around outside but instead cosy up in their winter quarters. Bats hibernate from the beginning of November until around April.