Why are bats associated with vampires?

We've all been there, glow in the dark fangs, fake red blood that stains your face for days after trick-or-treating, and of course, the trademark plastic bat that hangs from your shoulder. But WHY is the humble bat associated with vampires, and why are these fascinating creatures so misunderstood? read more

Vampires are closely associated with Vampire Bats for one main reason. Tradition. In early sources like Bram Stoker's Dracula, Dracula could turn into a bat, which allowed him to fly. read more

Stoker’s depiction of bats is vastly exaggerated, both in terms of size, power and obviously the fact that bats are able to turn into vampires, funnily enough! But the general knowledge of bats sucking blood (they actually lap it up rather than suck, don’t you know), and their nocturnal behaviour, is where the similarities end. read more

Early observers of bats noticed likeness in the features between bats and humans, such as allowing babies to suckle from breasts. In regards to vampires, because bats are nocturnal creatures, they became associated with vampires, as did owls, in some legends. When Dracula was publised in 1897, bats really became connected with Western vampire lore. read more