Big brown bats spend their days sleeping, in dark secluded areas. Big brown bats hibernate during the winter months, often in different locations than their summer roosts. Big brown bats are a long-lived species, with some specimens having lived for as long as 18 years. One of Kentucky's largest bats, the big brown sometimes attains a length of nearly 5 inches (127 mm) and can have a wingspan of more than 13 inches (330 mm).

 

These bats are glossy brown in color, slightly lighter below. They have a large head with a broad nose, a rounded tragus and a keeled calcar. DESCRIPTION:The Big Brown Bat is relatively large in size, from about 4 to 5 inches in length and weighing 1/2 to 5/8 ounce. The fur is moderately long, and shiny brown. The wing membranes, ears, feet, and face are dark brown to blackish in color. Several other species closely resemble the big brown bat in appearance but most are much smaller in size. Bats are one of our most misunderstood and feared animals.Although known to carry rabies, the incidence of this disease in bats is extremely low.Although known to carry rabies, the incidence of this disease in bats is extremely low.

 

Author: Darrick M

Published: 02/2007

 

Bibliography: Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) WildWNC.org : Animals : BIG BROWN BAT Photo Credit: http://www.conorbuckner.us/bigbrown.jpg