By Dr. Kristen Lear Photo by Jonathan Alonzo at Bat Conservation International Earth Day is a great time to celebrate the wildlife around us. Let’s celebrate an often-misunderstood animal: bats! Bats are the only flying mammal, and contrary to popular belief are not rodents. Bats are critical part of ecosystems around the world and also support our economies and everyday lives by controlling pest insects and protecting our agricultural crops, pollinating plants, and bringing us some of our  ...