Alternate name: Eastern Big-eared Bat
Family: Vespertilionidae, Vespertilionid Bats view all from this family
Description Brown, with white-tipped fur on belly. Wings and interfemoral membrane naked. Large ears extend to middle of back when laid down. 2 large glandular lumps on nose. L 3 5/8–4 1/8" (92–106 mm); T 1 5/8–2 1/8" (41–54 mm); HF 1/4– 1/2" (8–12 mm); FA 1 5/8–1 3/4" (40–46 mm); E 1 1/4–1 3/8" (32–36 mm); Wt 1/4– 3/8 oz (9–12 g).
Warning Bats are susceptible to rabies, a serious viral disease that results in death if untreated. Rabid bats rarely attack humans or other animals, but bats found lying on the ground may be rabid. Never touch or pick up any bat. Stay away from any animal that seems to be acting strangely and report it to animal-control officers. If you are bitten by a possibly rabid animal, you must immediately consult a doctor for a series of injections; there is no cure once symptoms emerge.
Similar Species Townsend’s Big-eared Bat has buff fur on belly.
Breeding Mates in fall; fertilization is delayed. 1 young born in late May– early June in small maternity colony, usually in a building or other man-made structure.
Habitat Forested regions. Often roosts in buildings, sometimes in caves and mines.
Range Southeastern U.S., from Kentucky and e Texas east to North Carolina and Florida.
Discussion When Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat is resting, its large ears are coiled against the side of the head, rather like a ram’s horns, which reduces the ear’s surface area, minimizing water loss. Upon being disturbed, the bat unfolds its ears. The ability to hover like a butterfly enables this moth specialist to pluck insects from foliage. This species roosts singly and hibernates in winter. It is becoming very scarce, especially in the northern parts of its range, and is considered extirpated in Indiana.
