From feared pathogens to worshipped deities: the complex human-bat relationship

Nature · Published 28 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bats are often cast as villains in our modern narrative, but their role in human society is far more nuanced. This documentary explores how different cultures perceive these winged mammals.

While bats have faced increased scrutiny and public fear following the COVID-19 crisis, they occupy vastly different roles across the globe. For some societies, they are viewed as a significant threat; for others, they are essential species that require active protection and conservation efforts.

The cultural spectrum of bat perception is even broader, with some cultures elevating these animals to the status of gods. The documentary examines these diverse perspectives to move beyond the common trope of bats as merely dangerous creatures.

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