Halloween unjustly demonises the harmless bat

THE build-up to Halloween seems to be starting earlier each year and bats, more than any other animal, have come to symbolise this ancient pagan festival. Bats are being used to create a creepy, macabre, and ghostly atmosphere. Be not afraid, however. It’s mostly mythology.

Bats are harmless and unjustly demonised; they are not vampires that suck human blood and they do not stick in people’s hair. And they are not blind.

Bat Conservation Ireland has created a new website for primary school children and their teachers, and it is being launched in time for Hallowe’en.