Greater Bulldog Bat - United States Virgin Islands


The United States Virgin Islands were formerly under the control of Denmark. The islands were purchased by the United States for 25 million dollars in 1916. This was at the height of World War I and the United States was afraid Germany may seize the islands and use it as a submarine base to attack American shipping.

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Noctilio leporinus - The greater bulldog bat, also known as the fisherman bat, is found from Mexico to Argentina and throughout most of the Caribbean Islands. It is one of the few bat species specialized in catching fish. The bulldog bat is able to use echolocation, a type of sonar, to detect the ripples in the water created by fish swimming near the surface. It will dive over the area with extended talons to rake up the fish and will then secure its catch in a large fold of skin hanging from the lower abdomen.