Dire Fisher Bat

Together: Alooooooooooooha!
Bob: I'm Bob!
Dino: And I'm Dino!
Together: And welcome to this episode of Deseret: Our Home!
Dino: What are we going to talk about today Bob?
Bob: Well Dino, today we are out here on the coast near Ocean Forest to catch a glimpse of the notorious Dire Fisher Bat!
Dino: You sure that's a good idea Bob? I've heard those are actually quite dangerous!
Bob: Well....

— Robert "Bob" Hughes and Alfredino "Dino" Donatelli on their hit nature documentary show, Deseret: Our Home

The Dire Fisher Bat is a large marsupial species native to Deseret that resembles the Order of flying mammals on Earth known as Chiroptera or bats. They predominately live along the coasts near large kelp forests and estuaries, where they are known for hunting large fish and cephalopod species. The Dire Fisher Bat terrified colonists when they first arrived, with its massive wingspan and large size. Colonists were afraid they would eat livestock or humans and it was common to scare them off with gunshots.

Vilification

Bob: With a wingspan of 7 meters and weighing over 150 kilograms, the Dire Fisher Bat is the largest flying animal on Deseret!
Dino: That sounds large enough to carry off a child if they ever got hungry! Have you seen their teeth? Spikes on spikes!
Bob: Actually Dino, we have no record of a Dire Fisher Bat ever attacking a human since humans arrived on planet.
Dino: Are you sure? I just saw "Demon Bats of Cthulu" and it's got me a little worried!

As the years passed biologists started to learn that Dire Fisher Bats, although solitary hunters, possessed a strong communal life. Dire Fisher Bats construct their nests together in a loose colony, with a considerable amount of time each day spent grooming as a group. Biologists released their findings to the general public but at that point the idea of Dire Fisher Bats as being monsters out of old Earth myth had cemented itself in the public perception. This was in large part due to the writings of Alexander McConnell, with stories filled with nightmarish depictions of Desereti lifeforms feasting on settlers. McConnell's work would go on to inspire a long series of popular horror novels and movies.

Redemption

Dino: What are they are doing in a group like that? Are they scratching each other?
Bob: Actually Dino, Dire Fisher Bats have an active social life! Almost half their day is spent grooming each other, picking out external parasites that like to burrow into their fur.
Dino: I feel like that little one is going to tear off some fur with all the energy it seems to have!
Bob: Adolescence is when Dire Fisher Bats learn to groom from watching others and practicing it themselves. Sometimes it takes a while.

In 34 DE the children's book "Our New Neighbors" by Carmel Argov was released to rave reviews. In the story a Dire Fisher Bat pup named Kobo falls out of his mother's pouch during flight. Too young to fly, Kobo tries to find his way home and eventually meets a young human girl named Sariah. Although at first they are both afraid of each other, they quickly become friends and teach one another about themselves. Kobo learns that humans have arrived to make a new home, and Sariah learns about the traits and habits of Dire Fisher Bats.
"Our New Neighbors" became a best seller, with two reprints in its first year. Carmel Argov, a 22 year old from Ocean Forest, said in interviews that the reason she wrote the book was because her mother, the biologist Shosona Argov, had been deeply bothered over the vile reputation Dire Fisher Bats had received. Due in large part to the success of "Our New Neighbors" public opinions shifted rapidly from one of fear to one of wonder. In 36 DE Ocean Forest Mayor Henmi Otojiro revealed a new town seal featuring the Dire Fisher Bat which would appear on all official documents for the town. Since then, Deseretis have come to appreciate their Dire Fisher Bats as a part of their national heritage.

Catching Fish

Sexual Differences and Growth Cycle

Wing Anatomy

Art by UWU_b011

Average Lifespan

50 years.

Average Height

2 meters.

Average Weight

150 kilograms.

Average Length

3 meters.

GENETICS AND REPRODUCTION

Although similar in appearance to many Old Earth mammalian bat species, Dire Fisher Bats are actually a kind of marsupial. Dire Fisher Bats lay 1-3 eggs in their nests, which hatch after a month. During this time the mother and father will alternatively keep the eggs warm by laying on them while the other hunts.
When the eggs hatch they are roughly 10 kg and completely defenseless, lacking fully formed eyes. The mother will then place the newborns into a pouch on their abdomen similar to those on Old Earth kangaroos. During the 2 months needed for the newborns to reach their adolescent stage the mother will fly little, instead climbing through the Nui trees looking for fruit, while the father brings fish back to the nest.

GROWTH RATE & STAGES

Upon reaching adolescence the young will leave their mother's pouch, following her as she searches for fruit. During this time they will learn grooming from the community. After 2 months the young will have their wings fully developed and will begin to fly. Dire Fisher Bats are sexually mature after 3 years.

DIETARY NEEDS AND HABITS

Dire Fisher Bats are omnivores that feed primarily on the large fish and cephalopods of Deseret. They supplement this diet with fruit and vegetation collected from the kelp groves near Ocean Forest.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Dire Fisher Bats live in loose colonies of nests occupied by mated pairs and offspring. Significant portions of the day are spent in group grooming sessions and play. Dire Fisher Bats have been seen on occasion providing food to weak or injured members of their colonies in exchange for grooming services. Colonies are loosely managed by an Alpha who gets first pick of mates and breaks up fights.

FACIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Long snout for grabbing struggling prey and powerful canines for holding them in place.

GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Found along the coast near kelp forests and groves of Nui Trees.

AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE

Comparable to intelligent dog breeds like Border Collies and Golden Retrievers.

PERCEPTION AND SENSORY CAPABILITIES

Unlike the Old Earth bats that they resemble which hunt using echolocation, Dire Fisher Bats hunt using their exceptional eyesight in a similar fashion to Old Earth eagles.