How and why do vampire bats attack prey?

Attack” is not the word to use for how vampire bats feed on an animal or bird. They are believed to be able to spot a sleeping animal by sound and special receptors that allow them to see heat. read more

“Attack” is not the word to use for how vampire bats feed on an animal or bird. They are believed to be able to spot a sleeping animal by sound and special receptors that allow them to see heat. They land on the ground near the animal and walk to it. read more

The real Vampire Bats are found in Mexico and do feed on the blood of warm blooded animals, such as cattle, horses, or birds. The vampire bat does not actually like the taste of human blood and much prefer other warm blooded animals instead. The vampire bat is one of the only species of bat that feeds on blood. They do not, however, suck this blood. read more

Unfortunately, this spreads diseases, like rabies, among the herd. When cattle and other livestock are easily accessible as prey, vampire bats have little need to enter human dwellings to seek a meal. Vampire bats are also extremely light-sensitive. Any areas inhabited by humans are often too brightly lit to be enticing. read more

Vampire bats do indeed drink blood. While in flight, they locate their prey - usually pigs, cows, horses (and, on very rare occassion, humans) - using echolocation, and using their extremely sharp teeth create a scrape on the skin of the target. read more