When we think of bats, we often think of spooky caves and Halloween decorations. But behind their eerie reputation lies something far more fascinating: bats are masters of longevity and resilience. These flying mammals not only live far longer than other animals their size, but they also carry many deadly viruses—like Ebola and coronaviruses—without getting sick. So, what’s their secret? Long life in a small package Most animals that are small don’t live very long—but bats break that rule. Some species, like Brandt’s bat, can live over 40 years. Scientists are intrigued by how bats can live such long, healthy lives,