Question

Why is it that bat cannot walk?

Answer 1

They can, but it's more of a crawling motion: their wings are involved too.

Answer 2

They cant work not even crawl, I know that for sure. l was only thinking maybe because of their very thin legs.

Answer 3

They CAN crawl, though. I've seen it. There are videos on Youtube too.

Answer 4

Ok. They can crawl not walk. Why?

Answer 5

Here's a video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBDizZRCwc

And... I guess it depends on how you define "walk" as to why they don't do it. They certainly don't walk like we do.

Answer 6

Just looking at that video, it appears that the bat is hampered by the size difference between wings and legs, and the fact that the wings are wings and not proper front legs.

Answer 7

Ok. Lets have peoples opinion.

Answer 8

So, thin legs compare to body size and wings?

Answer 9

I found the question and discussions very interesting.

Answer 10

I'm not sure if thin legs are necessarily bad for walking. Deer have very skinny legs, and so do a lot of predators that run after their prey.

Short legs, on the other hand, are far from ideal. You won't find many good walkers/runners with short legs. A lack of musculature in the hind quarters (I assume their front limbs are strong enough) would also pose a problem.

Answer 11

ok.

Answer 12

Calliope is correct. Bats legs are poorly positioned (relative to their bodies) to support their weight when standing upright. They are also joined down to the ankles by a flap of skin called the uropatagium. The uropatagium provides stability and maneuverability when they fly slowly - so they can make abrupt turns and chase insects - but it would like putting you in a tight skirt down to your ankles and then expecting you to run. Wouldn't work well.

Hibernating bats generally use their legs to suspend themselves upside down from whatever they are holding into into in their hibernacula.

Answer 13

blues, thanks for the explanation. I get it now.