Do Bats Really Fail to Detect Window Screens?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of bats in relation to window screens, particularly whether bats can detect them using sonar. Participants share personal anecdotes and observations about bats, their interactions with screens, and experiences in different environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that bats may not detect window screens with their sonar, based on a personal experience where a bat flew into a screen.
  • Another participant humorously proposes that the bat was surprised by the screen's sudden movement, indicating that bats may have varied experiences with screens.
  • Several participants share anecdotes about bats, including their behaviors and habitats, without directly addressing the sonar detection issue.
  • One participant expresses intrigue about large bats and shares a personal encounter with a vampire bat, highlighting the unpredictability of wildlife interactions.
  • There is a discussion about the dangers of fer-de-lance snakes in Central America, with one participant explaining their experiences living in a region where such encounters are common.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether bats can detect window screens. Multiple viewpoints and personal experiences are shared, but no definitive conclusions are drawn regarding the sonar capabilities of bats.

Contextual Notes

Participants' claims are based on personal experiences and observations, which may not encompass all scenarios involving bats and window screens. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence and lacks empirical data to support any claims made.

Ivan Seeking
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I just jumped about two feet higher than when I viewed Monique's commercial [oh yes, :devil:, Monique!]

For reasons that are not worth mentioning, I have the screen out of my office window right now. If I have the window open I leave the screen in the window sill and leaning up against the window on an angle [to keep the bugs out]. All of a sudden the screen was flying across the room, things were crashing down all around the window, and I see a huge bat making a U turn nearly right above me!

That was interesting. I guess their sonar doesn't detect screens. I think I need to change my shorts again. :blushing:
 
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That, or the bat was just as surprised as you were when the screen it intended to land on went crashing across the room! The only places I've ever seen bats, other than flying around outdoors or in a zoo, has been on window screens. I know they hang out other places, but I've only had the privilege of seeing the ones that like screens. We had two bats hanging out on the screen outside our lab window when I was in grad school (old building that wasn't hermetically sealed like new buildings). They really picked the wrong window! We gave them no privacy at all as we watched the very excited male attempt to mate with the female. :biggrin:
 
I never thought of one trying to land...
 
Large bats intrigue me. I once had a comparatively small vampire bat drop off the ceiling (Bay leaf roof) and land inches from me. It wasn’t quite dead and frightened me even more than some of the encounters I had of similar nature with Fer-de-Lance snakes.
 
BoulderHead said:
Large bats intrigue me. I once had a comparatively small vampire bat drop off the ceiling (Bay leaf roof) and land inches from me. It wasn’t quite dead and frightened me even more than some of the encounters I had of similar nature with Fer-de-Lance snakes.
Where the heck do you live??
 
Those incidents took place in Central America.
 
No longer there then?

Boulderhead, you are fascinating, and bewildering. Will we ever know why you were associating with fer-de-lance?
 
No longer there then?
Not at present, was forced recently to relocate.

Boulderhead, you are fascinating, and bewildering.
:blushing: :redface:

Will we ever know why you were associating with fer-de-lance?
Certainly, they come with the territory, literally. Very aggressive creatures, very toxic (your skin may bleed following a bite). Often travel in pairs (adults), so if you should ever come across one you must exercise caution as another may be present. Watch for young with prehensile tails to be in trees (or my shower, or truck, etc, haha). All a daily part of junglish living. :biggrin:
 

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