Do bats always turn left when exiting a cave? Unfortunately, the idea that bats always go left when exiting a cave is nothing more than an urban myth. It has been observed that they have no preference and will turn right or fly directly ahead as often as they turn left.

Why do bats turn left when they leave a cave?

There is a general agreement among bat scientists that bats tend to turn left when leaving a cave. This has been explained to be so because bats generally move by sensing echoes and thus in order to get out there should be a system to avoid collisions.

How do bats know when to leave the cave?

These ultrasonic noises vary in length and pulse frequency, and are unique to the individual. Each bat recognizes its own pulse reflections, or “voice,” and uses it to avoid objects and to identify food. Most bat colonies leave their caves more or less together, in large groups after dark.