TRADITIONAL Halloween animals have been providing less frights, and more facts during the spooky season at West Midland Safari Park.

Often associated with magic and mystery, some of the Park's smaller creatures have been busting common myths and showing they are not creepy.

Cloaked in superstition for many years, bats typically epitomise Halloween with their mysterious behaviour and their love of the dark. Yet, the Rodrigues fruit bats at the Safari Park have been showing how being 'as blind as a bat' is in fact, a common myth.

The 'colony' of 13 bats use their brown eyes to find their fruit and are extremely nimble when flying around their cave. All bats are able to see, with some relying on their eyes to find a tasty treat, while other bats use echolocation to navigate the landscape and cleverly avoid obstacles.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Snakes are often though as being slimy and slippery - and a common phobia among many. Yet, one of three common boa constrictors at the Park has been keen to prove that he is in fact covered in dry scales made from keratin.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Often feared for their hygiene habits, rats are another fearsome favourite for this eerie time of year. Contrary to popular belief - they are actually an extremely clean species and will even clean themselves after being handled by a human.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Amy Sewell, head discovery trail keeper, said: "People often misunderstand these animals which is mainly down to myths not facts.

"As keepers, we get to work closely with these animals and our aim is to educate guests and show there is nothing to be feared."

She added: "The scales on the boa is the same material that makes our hair and nails. Rats are extremely clean animals and the bats have such good eyesight that they can weave through the trees in our Twilight Cave when it's dark."

West Midland Safari Park's Halloween-themed event, Spooky Spectacular, runs until Sunday, October 29 - with extended opening hours until 9pm on weekends and October half term.

Guests are also encouraged to dress up to take part in the Halloween fun.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit wmsp.co.uk or call 01299 402114.