In most ways, Paige Marsicano is a typical 12-year-old: into soccer, Harry Potter, and hiking with her dogs. But when it came to Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom essay contest, she strayed from the pack. Instead of writing about critters cute 'n cuddly, Paige picked...well...hoary bats.

"People just don't understand them," she says. "I feel sorry for bats. They're not the prettiest animals, but they're very helpful."

Paige first became fascinated with flying mammals seven years ago. "A woman who helps hurt and orphaned bats gave a speech at our library," she recalls. "I was hooked. I went home and built a bat house, which still hangs in my yard. My family and I go out there and watch the bats flap, fly, and swirl. It's a blast."

Go Batty!
Like bananas? Hate mosquitoes? Then you'll love bats. It's estimated that 70% of tropical fruit sold comes from plants they pollinate. Bats also eat tons (yes, we really do mean tons) of bugs a year. Unfortunately, at least half of all American bat species are threatened. Construction of highways and bridges has destroyed many of their natural homes.

For her essay, Paige researched these problems and urged people to help. It paid off: She won a pass to Universal Studios and a  trip to L.A. There, she met scientists and TV stars and saw a live Animal Planet taping. "I also met kids from around the country who love animals," she says. "Even 3,000 miles from Connecticut, I felt right at home."