A conservation organization is working to debunk myths surrounding species that are associated with Halloween.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says species such as owls and bats have been associated with spooky décor and scary stories for the longest time.

While there’s no harm in the spirit of Halloween, the Conservancy says myths surrounding these species are having a negative impact on the populations of animals such as certain types of bats.

Media Relations Director Andrew Holland says with some species becoming endangered, negative stereotypes are making it difficult to protect these creatures which play a key role in our ecosystem.

Holland says the endangered brown bats play an important role in controlling the population of certain insects such as mosquitos.

He says the most common myth is that bats drink human blood, which is not true for any of the 18 species of bats that live in Canada. Bats feed off of insects and one brown bat can catch 600 mosquitos an hour. Holland says if you don’t like insects, you should grow to love bats.