Watch Your Steps: Bats Lie on the Ground All Over Central Park

This year, lovers of Central Park managed to get to know the wildlife better. First the squirrels decided that they would spread themselves in the middle of the park very good idea, now the bats have decided to lie down on the bare ground. What happens to the animals, said the publication Time-out.

Walking in the park this winter, be careful - bats fall to the ground because they are cold.

This is not a new phenomenon - they always fall to the ground in shock when it gets cold.

“This behavior is not uncommon in the fall, when the temperature changes dramatically,” the Department of Parks (NYC Parks) said. “It's become too cold for the bat muscles, and their activity is slowing down. As temperatures rise throughout the day, so will the body temperature of these bats.”

As with any animal, it is best not to approach or touch them. The Parks Department advises that if you see a bat on the ground, call 311 so park rangers can help.

On the subject: Can attack and even kill: dangerous animals that can be found in New York

According to tour guide Ryan Schmidt, who compiled the Central Park Animal Guide, there are nine species of bats in New York City. They are divided into two main groups: tree-dwelling and cave-dwelling.

Cave-dwelling bats “remain in the same place throughout the year and hibernate in the winter. They survive on fat stores,” Schmidt said. “The ones that live in trees are the main type of bats we see in Central Park. During the cold season, they migrate south.

Most of the bats in the park feed on fruits, nectar and insects (they can consume insects up to 20-50% of their body weight every night), so they are very good at fighting West Nile virus.