Climate, Development Pushing Vampire Bats North -- Maybe To Florida

"Vampire bats could soon make their way into the United States from Mexico due to climate change and development, scientists say.

The possibility of a migration is concerning federal agriculture officials because the bats like to feast on the blood of large farm animals, while sometimes spreading rabies.

Florida is No. 3 on the list of places where the bats could be headed in coming years.

There are three species of vampire bats that feed on large animals, like cattle, and only one species that can carry rabies. They reside mainly in Latin America right now, but Toni Piaggio, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said that could soon change."

Jessica Meszaros reports for WUSF Public Media May 18, 2021.