The bat, which makes up about 25% of all mammals, is the only true flying mammal. There are 42 species in the United States. Bats are one of our most misunderstood and feared animals, but they are probably the most beneficial to humans.
The western long-eared bat is approximately 3.4 to 3.9 inches long with a body weight of 0.18 to 0.28 ounces and an average wingspan of 9.4 inches. The western long-eared is found in western Canada, the western United States, and parts of Baja California. It lives in a variety of areas, but mainly in forested areas, both dry forest and subalpine forest. It can also be found in semi-arid scrub, sage, and agricultural areas. Daytime roosts include abandoned buildings, loose bark slabs, caves, mine cliff fissures, and sinkholes. In winter, like most bats, they tend to hibernate in caves and old mines.
The western long-eared is insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, web-winged insects, and stink bugs. The flight of this bat is slow and highly maneuverable. This allows the big-eared to collect insects from the leaves and from the air. They will feed in small bodies of water and this particular bat can turn off its echolocation and “listen for bugs.” It allows them to sneak up on their prey and catch them before they can escape. This bat uses enormous amounts of energy due to its slow flights, however this particular bat can hunt throughout the night and eats enormous amounts of insects.
This is another fairly long-lived mammal. The longest recorded is 22 years, although the average is much less. This maternity group of bats can be from 5 to 30 individuals. Enemies of this bat include would-be squirrels and bears, as well as other small predatory animals. The removal of old growth forests and the intrusions into caves and mines used as shelters also have a detrimental effect. The western long-eared sheds frequently to limit the amount of odor that can accumulate. As with other bats, this species has an effect on insect control.
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