Common Vampire Bat

This flying mammal uses its exceptional hearing, eyesight, agility and sense of smell to safely locate suitable prey, usually sleeping cows, horses, pigs, and donkeys. Using its sharp incisors, the bat makes a small cut in the animal's skin and laps the blood from the wound, while anticoagulant in the vampire's saliva prevents the blood from clotting. Researchers have been studying the enzyme that acts as the anticoagulant in vampire's saliva. They have discovered that this enzyme may also help stroke victims by breaking down blood clots. Called Draculin, this blood-clot-bashing drug is showing promis in patients and may reduce the severity of a stroke. The vampire bat needs about two tablespoons of blood nightly, and cannot go more than two nights without food.