What bats are found in the Western USA?
California and the west coast is home to a diverse array of bat species. Some of the bat species include:
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus): This is one of the most common bat species in California and North America.
Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): These bats are known for their long tails and are found in various regions of California.
California Myotis (Myotis californicus): As the name suggests, this bat species is native to California and is commonly found in wooded areas.
Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevillii): These bats are known for their vibrant red fur and can be found in California's forests and woodlands.
Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis): This species is found in different habitats, including forests, deserts, and along water bodies, in California.
Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus): These bats are known for their pale coloration and are found in desert regions of California.
Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans): These bats have distinctive silver-tipped fur and can be found in forested areas.
Western Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus hesperus): This is one of the smallest bat species in California and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas.
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus): These bats are known for their frosted appearance and are often found in forested regions.
Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii): This species is characterized by its large ears and is found in California's wooded areas.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other bat species present in specific regions of the west, including California. Bats play essential roles in ecosystems by helping with insect control and pollination, making their conservation important for maintaining ecological balance. Bats will consume nearly any flying insect that they can including moths, mosquitoes, beetles, and mayflies. Bats may eat the equivalent of their body weight in insects each night.