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Many people are surprised when they first see a hammer-headed bat because its face looks very unusual. Some even think the photos are edited, but this animal is completely real.

The hammer-headed bat lives in the tropical forests of Central Africa and is the largest bat species in Africa. It can have a wingspan of nearly 1 meter (3 feet).

Male hammer-headed bats have large heads, long faces, and enlarged lips and throats. These features help them produce loud calls to attract females during mating season. Female bats look much more like ordinary fruit bats.

Many viral photos make the bat appear much larger than it really is because it is being held closer to the camera, creating an optical illusion.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the hammer-headed bat mainly eats fruit and helps spread seeds throughout the forest. It may look unusual, but it plays an important role in nature.

Source: Snopes - Is the Hammerhead Bat a Real Animal?