Big brown bat

Credit: sas103

Latin name: Eptesicus fuscus

Average size: Total length of 9-13 cm

Wingspan: 32-39 cm

Weight: 11-23 g

External characteristics: This is one of the largest species of bats present in Canada after the hoary bat. Its coat is composed of many colours. It is typically dark brown on its back and paler on its underside. Its fur has an oily sheen. The face, ears, wings and tail are black and have a leathery appearance. Its ears and tragus are rounded.Females of this species are larger than males.

Habitat: This bat is found in many habitat types throughout Canada, from wooded regions near water sources to urban areas. Most bats need a stable environment for hibernation, but the big brown bat has a high tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions. In fact, compared to other species, the big brown bat can tolerate hibernating in roosts that are colder, drier and more exposed to air currents. It is for this reason that big brown bats are the species most likely to be found in human dwellings during the winter.

Reproduction: Mating occurs in the fall or winter. Sperm is stored in the body of the female during the winter and fertilization occurs in the spring. Between mid-May and the end of June, females regroup in maternity colonies to give birth to their young. Females give birth to one or two pups each year.

Seen in: Alberta, British-Columbia, Manitoba, New-Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan