Townsends Big-eared Bat
The Townsend’s big-eared bat has large rabbit-like ears and two lumps (pararhinal glands) on its snout. It’s a cavity-dwelling bat, typically found roosting in caves or mines. Ears erect when alert, curl like ram horns at rest or during hibernation.
About
Townsend’s big-eared bats are slow-flying, highly maneuverable, and often forage near tree canopies and woodland edges. They eat moths, primarily. This bat typically roosts suspended from open cave ceilings or high walls, rather than within crevices. Maternity groups often form a dense cluster of adults and young to maintain high body temperatures and aid in development of young. A single pup is born between May and July.
Characteristics
The Townsend’s big-eared bat can be distinguished from other western bat species by its large, rabbit-like ears and club-shaped lumps on the muzzle. When alert, the ears are erect and facing forward. At rest and during hiber-nation, the bat curls its ears back like ram horns. This species is primarily a cavity-dwelling bat; most roost sites are in caves or mines.
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