How Rats Learned to Catch Bats 0 22

Researchers observed two hibernacula — Segeberger Kalkberg and Lüneburger Kalkberg, where thousands of bat colonies hide at night to retain warmth.

Using infrared cameras, 30 hunting attempts and 13 successful attacks by rats were recorded at Segeberger Kalkberg. The rats employed two tactics: attacking resting bats and catching those in flight. They stood on their hind legs, balancing with their tails, and raised their front legs to intercept their prey.

Notably, the rats hunted almost blind, navigating in the dark by sensing air currents and tactile sensations perceived by their whiskers. At Lüneburger Kalkberg, rodents were also observed at the cave entrance, and nearby researchers found the corpses of bats.

Brown rats are among the most successful invasive species on the planet. They can significantly reduce local fauna populations, especially on islands, and their intense hunting can negatively impact the populations of native species.