Imagine coming across a bat so massive it could rival a human in size during a casual stroll through someone’s backyard. That’s exactly the scene captured in this jaw-dropping photograph of a giant bat, peacefully sleeping while wrapped up in its own wings.
This incredible snapshot features a golden crowned flying fox, a species known for its staggering wingspan that can reach up to five-and-a-half feet. Despite its impressive wingspan, calling this bat ‘human-sized’ might be stretching it a bit since the body itself is only about one foot tall.
Here’s the famous photo that left many stunned and slightly incredulous:
The picture, originally shared by Twitter user @AlexJoestar622, came with the caption: “Remember when I told y’all about the Philippines having human-sized bats? Yeah, this was what I was talking about.” The photo itself hasn’t been manipulated, but the bat appears larger due to a clever photographic technique known as forced perspective.
This technique, famously used in movies like “The Lord of the Rings,” manipulates perception through distance and angle. It’s the same trick that makes actors appear hobbit-sized compared to their larger co-stars, despite being filmed in the same scene.
Regardless of the illusion, this doesn’t detract from the fact that a five-and-a-half-foot wingspan is truly monumental for a flying mammal. The golden crowned flying fox, which resides in the forests of the Philippines, is a vegetarian, feeding primarily on fruits such as figs which are abundant in its natural habitat.
Unfortunately, this magnificent creature is classified as endangered. Factors contributing to its decline include poaching and the ongoing destruction of its forest home, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these unique animals and their environment.
This photo not only showcases the sheer size and beauty of the golden crowned flying fox but also sparks a conversation about wildlife conservation and the impact of human activity on the natural world.