During their morning rounds at Pennsylvania Bat Rescue, staff members were scanning the grass inside the large flight enclosure when something unusual caught their eye. From a distance, it looked like a small mushroom sprouting from the ground.
But as the team leaned closer, the “mushroom” turned out to be something far more delightful — an eastern red bat named Punkin Roll.
“It was wonderful to see the camouflage of this beautiful species not only work well in trees, but also on the ground,” said Stephanie Stronsick, founder and executive director of the rescue.
For context, here’s Punkin Roll next to an actual mushroom:
The discovery was a perfect example of just how skilled bats are at blending in. Eastern red bats sometimes roost on the ground, wrapping themselves in their furry “butt blanket” tails to stay cozy and hidden from predators. Grass, leaves, or little pockets of earth provide just the cover they need.
For Punkin Roll, this nap spot was simply part of his routine. And while it might have fooled the staff for a moment, it gave them a rare glimpse into the clever survival tactics of these tiny animals.
Today, Punkin Roll has returned to the wild, gliding among deciduous trees and finding safe places to rest until nightfall.
Stronsick hopes his story will help shift the way people see bats.
“Bats are often demonized as monsters of the night,” she said. “In reality, they are very small, vulnerable and timid animals. They need people to care about them, to help them and protect them.”
To support more bats like Punkin Roll, you can donate to Pennsylvania Bat Rescue.
