(BATS/ANIMAL FACTS) Bats often get a pretty bad rap due to countless myths and common misconceptions, and it’s actually helping drive the species to extinction. But in reality, these “scary creatures” have an extremely important role in our environment, managing insect populations and pollinating plants.

Just like bees, bats pollinate many plants and facilitate seed dispersal. Bats also eat bugs, thus reducing the amount of pesticides used by farmers (which also means less pesticides polluting the environment). In fact, scientists estimate bats in the U.S. have saved us somewhere between $3.7 and 54 billion in pest control services every year.

Read on to learn more about the reasons we have to thank and celebrate bats. — Global Animal