Gabriel Bozza, Ann Street School
Essex County
Indiana bat. Essex County. Gabriel Bozza
Indiana Bat
Hello humans!
I am a very unusual looking creature. Some people might say that I look awkward, but I think I'm very unique. I have a snout that resembles a pig, which is extremely sensitive. I have large elf ears that I use to locate my food, by listening for my ultrasonic screeches. Because of my brown fur and wings, people confuse me for an ordinary bat but I'm actually pretty extraordinary. What distinguishes me from my relatives is the size of my small feet, the length of the hair between my toes, and my pink lips. I am the Indiana bat, but the tall people in the white coats (scientists) call me Myotis sodalis, weird name, I know.
I have a complaint for all of you humans, who think that I am a gross nuisance. I am a valuable asset to your environment, because my family and I hunt down thousands and thousands of those annoying pesky insects, in particular, mosquitoes, in just one night! But what do we get? We get giant machines smashing our homes to dust and pesticides which are intoxicating us. These actions are destroying our precious habitat and we are holding entirely way too many funerals.
I know a life without me doesn't seem so bad to you right now, but trust me you'll miss me when we're gone. My fellow Indiana Bats and I are going on strike! No longer will we patrol your late night barbecues, parks, and fairs. Then you'll see when the bugs swarm you! You'll have so many mosquito bites you'll itch yourself to death or you'll go broke from buying bug sprays, fly swatters, and other ridiculous products that claim they'll get rid of the bugs! HAHAHA, you wish!!!
All my relatives and I are requesting is for you to stop destroying our habitat, and spraying those disgusting pesticides that are obliterating our food source. Also, I know this seems like a strange request coming from a bat, but if you find one of my family members with a small white ring of fungus around their nose, call the nearest animal health center immediately!
Buzzzzzzzz! Oh! Look, dinner! Be grateful! I am considering eating these mosquitoes here, but I might change my mind if you don't help us.
Sincerely,
Your Insect Exterminating Pal,
Indiana "Jones" Bat
Written By: Gabriel Bozza
Ann Street School, Newark
Teacher: Mrs. Cardoso