Page 114 - Animals of the Sakhalin Region in myths and legends

Tube-nosed bat Ussuri

(Murina ussuriensis)

A small bat with a forearm less than 31
mm in length. The average weight is about
6.0 g. The entire upper side of the tail
membrane, legs and the adjacent part of the
wing membrane are covered with thin and
relatively long hair. The nostrils open at the
end of short, leathery tube-tubes diverging
to the sides. Coloration of the fur of the
back with a reddish tint.
Lives in the east of China, Korea and
Japan. In the Sakhalin region — the islands
of Sakhalin and Kunashir (Nevelsky,
Korsakovsky and South Kuril districts).

Long ago, when animals and birds ruled everything, they decided to play a ball

game. A wide variety of species have gathered in the field. The animals on earth were
opposed to the birds in the sky. Both teams had already chosen their captains and
were getting ready to start the game, when the clumsy little Bat woke up from the
noise. She also really wanted to play.
The animals said that since she can fly, then her place is in the team of birds. And
the birds did not accept it, because the Bat has no feathers at all, but has wool, just

like animals. Then the animals took pity, because she so wanted to play with the
others, but they warned her to stay away, because she was too small.
The game began, and although the animals ran well and jumped high, the birds
slaughtered over and over again. The most graceful and strong was the Crane. He
was slow, but the more frisky birds caught the ball, and he scored. In the end, the little
Bat jumped out and went into battle. Dodging quickly and dexterously, she scored a
goal. And then again and again.

Now the birds regretted not taking the Bat into their team, and immediately declared
that she belongs to their genus. And the animals were very happy that they took such
a player to them. An argument flared up. But then the Rat came out and judged, even
if the Bat can fly, but it has skin and hair like animals, besides, it has teeth.
And it was decided that the bat belongs to the animal kingdom.

112