What is the only mammal that can truly fly?

The only mammal that can truly fly is the bat. Bats are the only mammals that have wings and are capable of sustained flight. There are over 1,300 species of bats, and they are found in almost every part of the world.

Bats have several adaptations that enable them to fly. Their wings are made of skin stretched over elongated fingers and arm bones, and they have powerful muscles in their chest and shoulders that enable them to flap their wings and generate lift. Bats also have a lightweight body structure and a streamlined shape that allows them to maneuver easily in the air.

While other mammals like flying squirrels and gliding possums can glide or parachute through the air, they are not capable of true flight like bats.