A remarkable photo of a ‘human-sized bat’ has been circulating online, captivating viewers with its impressive size. This image, which has not been edited, shows a gigantic bat roosting in an outbuilding, wrapping its wings around itself while it sleeps. The species captured in the photo is the golden crowned flying fox, one of the largest bat species in the world, known for its wingspan that can reach up to five-and-a-half feet. Despite the exaggerated ‘human-sized’ description, the bat’s body is typically around one foot tall.

The photo, shared on Twitter by user @AlexJoestar622, uses forced perspective to make the bat appear larger than it is. This technique is similar to the one used in the production of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, where actors appeared hobbit-sized through careful scene design. While the bat’s size is indeed impressive, the forced perspective makes it look even more massive.

Shutterstock

The golden crowned flying fox is a vegetarian, primarily feeding on fruits like figs found in the forests of the Philippines. Despite its intimidating size, the species poses no threat to humans. Unfortunately, the golden crowned flying fox is classified as an endangered species due to poaching and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these fascinating creatures and their natural environment.

The viral image has sparked a mix of awe and curiosity, drawing attention to the lesser-known aspects of bat species and their habitats. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect endangered species from further decline.