The Townsend's Big-Eared Bat is a medium-sized bat with extremely long, flexible ears (hence the name) and small yet noticeable lumps on each side of the snout.Its upperparts are similar to dark brown on the back, and wood-brown on the sides. The underparts are a slightly paler shade of brown. These bats can be identified by the nearly uniform color of their bodies. Its total length is around 10 cm (4 in.), its tail being around 5 cm (2 in.) It's wingspan is about 28 cm. It weighs around 7-12 grams.
Ten Facts about Townsend's Big-eared Bat
- These bats do not undertake a major migration and are generally rather sedentary. The hibernation roosts are usually abandoned mines or caves that have low and stable temperatures.
- Townsend's big-eared bats will use a variety of habitats, almost always near caves or other roosting areas. They can be found in pine forests and arid desert scrub habitats.
- These bats can be found throughout the western U.S. from British Columbia down into central Mexico.
- They are generally in decline in most areas, and are listed as an Endangered species in Washington, a Sensitive species in Oregon, a Species of Special Concern in Texas, Montana and California.
- They specialize in eating moths and other insects such as beetles, flies and wasps.
- Townsend's big-eared bat is usually a late flier and will forage along the edge of vegetation.
- It is assumed as with many bat species that predators can include snakes, owls, cats, raccoons and hawks.
- These bats live from four to ten years; maximum life span recorded is sixteen years.
- Their wingspan is12-13 in (30-34 cm) and they weigh between 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g).
- When flying they can rapidly extend or contract their ears. When flying with their ears extended the ears point forward and are nearly parallel to their body.
