Northern Long-eared Bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Background
Northern long-eared bats are small and catch insects both in flight and picking them off plants. They hibernate underground in winter and live in tree cavities in summer. Due to population declines from white-nose syndrome, they are listed as threatened in the United States and endangered in Canada.
Current Threats
- White-nose syndrome
- Hibernacula disturbance
- Loss of summer roosting habitat
- Wind farms
How You Can Help
- Do not disturb hibernating bats
- Leave dead/dying trees standing
- Plant native flowers to attract insects
- Spread the word about Bat Week!
Fun Facts
They are called “whispering bats” because they can echolocate very quietly to sneak up on insects that can hear normal echolocation calls.
For hibernation, northern long-eared bats increase their body weight by 45% to survive the winter months.
Their wings are shaped differently than other bats, making them slow flyers but very good at navigating through forests and hovering to catch insects on plants.
Faces of Bat Week
Townsend big-eared bat
Townsend's big-eared bats are a charismatic species with marvelously large ears and prominent, bilateral nose lumps.
Northern long-eared bat
The northern long-eared bat is a species of bat native to North America. There are no recognized subspecies.
Mexican long-nosed bat
The Mexican long-nosed bat is federally endangered and relies on nectar from agave to make long migrations through Mexico and the southwest United States.