Vampire bats have been put on a treadmill as a study showed the special way they use blood for energy - as well as how quickly they can run.

Footage shows one bat using its wings to sprint along inside a plastic box at up to 30 metres per minute.

The vampire bat is one of only a few species that can manoeuvre skilfully on land.

It uses this ability to quietly approach sleeping prey, such as cattle, pigs and chickens, before making an incision with its razor-sharp teeth.