Merut's Bat of the Week: Big Brown Bat

Photo by Ryan Choi

Also known as Eptesicus fuscus, scientific name. This is the bat that is in the previous videos, so I thought I would start with it. As to the whole "bat of the week" thing, well, I'm just trying to find a way to preach the bat gospel as long as possible (hey, that sorta rhymes). Also, this is not going to be made for experts, just regular ol' joes. Keep in mind, most of this is based on personal experience, not rigorous scientific study.

Name: Eptesicus fuscus
Merut's diagnostic characteristics:

• a blunt, short, rounded tragus
• a "bulldog" face,
  
• generally larger in size
• unfriendly (to put it nicely)
  

Merut's reaction when she sees one in the net: cringe, "crap"

Photo by Ryan Choi

Merut's experience: They are what they are named - big, brown, bats. These are determined mean mother uckers. Because of their size, they can bite pretty hard. And they love to bite. They will squirm and twist until they grab whatever is nearest, mostly my fingers. When a lot of bats get into the net, they just relax. Big Brown Bats twist and turn, and fight, until they are a tangled mess, which means it takes longer to get them out, although not always. Which means my fingers are often at their mercy, of which they have NONE. This is obviously one of my least favorite bats, but like all bats, they are easily misunderstood.

Photo by Ryan Choi

Other notes:

• Big Brown Bats have a higher incidence of rabies than most other bats, and they are in the closest contact with people (note: less than 1/2 of 1% of bats are estimated to have rabies, so it is not that common).
  
• They live in urban settings as well as natural ones.
• They roost together in colonies.
  
• They seem to be generalists and therefore fairly common.
• They can live 18-20 years
• Big Brown Bats can fly up to 40 mph
• Wingspan is about 13-16 inches
• Weigh about 14-21 grams
  

If you are interested in reading more about Big Brown Bats, and other species of Rocky Mountain/Western bats, I like Bats of the Rocky Mountain West, by Rick A. Adams.