The American Bat Stamps

The American Bat is often feared and misunderstood. People fear that they are blood seeking frightening creatures, yet they are not. There are currently 45 bat species in North America and 950 bat species worldwide. Many species are on the endangered list.

Each October, during National Stamp Collecting month, the US Postal service issues a commemorative stamp or stamps that will appeal to young people. In 2002, the American Bat was chosen to help highlight and educate everyone on the benefits of the American Bat. The stamp ceremony was appropriately held in Austin, Texas at the bat observation area which is located at the Congress Avenue Bridge. This bridge houses the largest urban bat colony in the world. Every evening, millions of bats take flight, gobbling up between 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects.

This stamp pane consists of four different stamp designs featuring photographs of bats whose ranges include the continental United States.

I personally find bats graceful as they fly about in the evening hours. I am thankful for their skill in eating the real blood suckers….mosquitoes. Besides, they are kind of cute too!

If you would like more information on purchasing these adorable stamps, click here.