Bats and Books Survey

Early interpretation of a nationally representative survey evaluating public exposure to bats through direct experience and storytelling mediums, alongside levels public knowledge, opinion, and belief in prevalent myths and misinformation.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc and have been rounded. Total sample size was 2119 adults based in the UK of which 1654 participated. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd-23rd July 2026. The survey was carried out online. all figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (ages 18+). The analysis and interpretation contained within this document was conducted by Dr Briony Hughes (Royal Holloway, University of London)

Based on the following survey designed by Dr Briony Hughes:

Question 1: Storytelling and Media Sources
In which of the following sources have you encountered bats? Please select all that apply.



Fiction books, including novels and short stories
Film and television drama
Poetry
Children’s literature and media, including animations and comics
Wildlife or nature documentaries
News reports or current affairs media, including newspapers and radio
Nature writing, popular science, or non-fiction books/articles
Video games
Folklore, myths, legends, or oral storytelling
Social media, online videos, or web-based content
Others [open: please specify]
I have never encountered bats in storytelling, literature, films, video games, etc
Question 2: Portrayal of bats in storytelling and media
Thinking about the ways you have encountered bats in storytelling, literature, video games etc… which, if any, of the following describe how bats were used or portrayed? Please select all that apply.



Bats were used to create a particular setting, mood, or atmosphere.
Bats were presented as cute, funny, or playful.
Bats were discussed in relation to conservation, science, or ecology.
Bats were presented as skilled, intelligent, or capable.
Bats were foregrounded as characters or as the main subject.
Bats were presented as scary, threatening, or dangerous.
Bats were presented as mysterious, magical, or supernatural.
Bats were depicted as vulnerable, misunderstood, or unfairly judged.
Bats were presented as companions, heroes, or sidekicks.
Bats were presented as dirty, diseased, or as pests.
None of these
Question 3: Real-life bat encounters
Which, if any, of the following describes your real-life experience of bats? Please select all that apply.



I have seen bats flying outdoors in the UK.
I have seen bats flying outdoors outside of the UK.
I have known bats to roost in or near my home, workplace, or another building I use.
I have attended a bat-related talk, workshop, exhibition, or public event.
I have taken part in a guided bat walk.
I have visited bats in a zoo, wildlife centre, or similar setting.
I have taken part in bat conservation, surveying, research, or volunteering.
I have encountered an injured, grounded, or trapped bat.
I have heard or identified bat sounds using a detector or similar equipment.
I have had to consider bats in relation to building work, planning, property, or land management.
Others [open: please specify]
I have never encountered bats in real life.
Question 4: Beliefs and Knowledge About Bats
Which, if any, of the following statements do you believe to be true?



Bats commonly become tangled in human hair.
Bats are rarely found in towns and cities.
Most bats carry diseases that pose a serious risk to humans.
All bats in the UK are protected by law.
Most bats rely only on sound and cannot use their eyes to navigate.
Bat populations can recover quickly because bats have many young each year.
Bats are closely related to rodents.
Bats do not cause structural damage to buildings.
Many bat species rely on blood as a food source.
When bats fly closely to people, they are usually behaving aggressively.
None of these.
I don’t know.
Question 5: Your Current View of Bats
Which of the following best describe your current view of bats? Select all that apply.



I think bats are intelligent animals.
I would like to learn more about bats.
I dislike or fear bats.
I am* well informed about bats.
I would be uncomfortable seeing bats in real life.
I associate bats with joy, wonder, or excitement.
I would support efforts to protect bats.
I think bats play an important role in nature.
I associate bats with horror, danger, or the supernatural.
I would be* pleased if bats lived near my home.
None of these.
The poster offers an overview of early conclusions, including three case studies (poetry exposure, exposure through property and planning, and bat walk participation).

*word has been temporarily adjusted to account for FigShare publication screening.