KSAT Explains: South Texas’ most beloved flying mammal has not always been valued

We know them. We love them. And much of the world misunderstands them.

Flying hunters that come out at night, these mammals have gotten a bad rap over the years (think Dracula). South Texans, however, know their importance. They call the region home between April and October.

That said, here are some things you may not know about our nocturnal buddies.

Yes, bats are mammals, which means they give birth. That usually happens in maternity roosts like Bracken Bat Cave, which sits just outside of San Antonio. It’s home to the largest Mexican free-tailed bat colony in the world, with an estimated 15 to 20 million bats.

Yes, they only come out at night

Bats are nocturnal, so yes, they generally only come out at night.

“They’re kind of like teenagers. They’re up all night, sleep during the