What comes to mind when you hear the word "bat"? For many people, it is darkness, caves, Halloween, and mysterious nighttime flights. But fruit bats offer a much more fascinating story. In this episode of Curious Creatures: Stories from the Wild Side, we look beyond the spooky reputation of bats and explore the remarkable characteristics that make these flying mammals so captivating.

We discuss how bats differ from other mammals, why hanging upside down is such a familiar part of their behaviour, and how fruit bats interact with the environments around them. We also explore why bats have become such enduring symbols of mystery and how their distinctive silhouettes have inspired artists, designers, collectors, and storytellers.

For listeners who enjoy bringing their favourite animals into their personal style, the episode also considers how wildlife can become wearable art. The Camp Hollow bat necklace offers a playful example, transforming the recognisable form of a fruit bat into a hand-painted porcelain charm designed to be both whimsical and collectible.

By the end of the episode, listeners will have a different perspective on bats: not simply as creatures associated with spooky stories, but as remarkable animals with distinctive behaviours and an important place in the natural world.