A photo of a so-called human sized bat has gone viral on social media, especially on Instagram. The shocking image shows a huge bat hanging upside down that appears almost as tall as a person. This has left many people asking whether the human sized bat real or fake? Let’s look at the facts.
What is the Viral Photo?
The viral post shows a bat hanging in a neighborhood that looks unusually large – nearly human-sized. The photo quickly spread online with claims that it was taken in the Philippines. Many users were amazed, while others suspected editing or trick photography.
Human Sized Bat Real or Fake
The answer is both real and exaggerated. The animal is real – it is a species of flying fox, which is one of the largest bats in the world. However, it is not actually human-sized. The impression of giant size comes from a camera trick called forced perspective, which makes the bat look much bigger than it really is.
How Big Are Flying Fox Bats Really?
Flying foxes are among the largest bat species, but their body size is nowhere near a human’s height.\
- Body length: About 25–30 cm (10–12 inches)
- Wingspan: Up to 1.5–1.7 meters (5–5.5 feet)
So while their wings can stretch wide like human arms, their bodies are much smaller.
Why Does the Bat Look So Huge?
The viral photo plays tricks on our eyes. Here’s why the bat appears “human-sized”:
- The angle of the photo makes the bat look closer and larger.
- The background objects are further away, creating a size illusion.
- With no nearby person or object for scale, our brain assumes it’s gigantic.
Conclusion
So, is the human sized bat real or fake?
- Real bat species: It’s a giant fruit bat, also called a flying fox.
- Not truly human-sized: The viral image exaggerates its size.
- Explanation: Wingspan can be as wide as 5 feet, but the bat’s body is much smaller than a human.
