There are several species of bats found in Virginia. The most common bat in Virginia is the little brown bat. Other species include the big brown bat, the Mexican free-tailed bat, the silver-haired bat, and the beloved state bat, the Virginia Big-eared bat! Although all of these species are important to the ecosystem and play a role in controlling insect populations, let’s take a closer look at our state bat by reviewing some interesting facts about them!
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Facts About the Virginia Big-Eared Bat
The Virginia Big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a medium-sized bat, with adults measuring 4.5-5.7 cm (1.8-2.2 in) in body length and 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in) in wingspan. The fur on the back is brown or black, while the belly is paler. As its name suggests, this bat has large, conspicuous ears.
This bat is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, caves, and mines. It is a forest Dependent species, meaning that it requires forested habitat to survive. The Virginia Big-eared bat typically roosts alone or in small groups. It is known to form maternity colonies of up to 100 individuals.
As an insectivore, it primarily feeds on moths, but also mosquitos, gnats, flies, grasshoppers, and more. Like all other microbats, our state bat uses echolocation to locate its prey and navigate with heightened precision in the dark of night.
Fun Facts About All Bats
Bats are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. During the day, they roost in trees, caves, and other dark places. Bats are very good flyers and can travel long distances in search of food.
Most bats eat insects. They use their sharp teeth to bite through the exoskeleton of their prey. Bats have a very good sense of smell and can locate their prey by following the scent of the insects.
Bats are important to the ecosystem because they help control the population of insects. Without bats, there would be more mosquitoes, beetles, and other pests. Bats eat millions of insects every night!
How to Support Local Bat Populations
There are several things you can do to help bats. One way is to provide a roosting site for them. You can do this by putting up a bat house in your yard. Another way to help bats is to avoid using pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals can kill the insects that bats eat.
If you see a bat during the day, it is probably sick or injured. Bats are very susceptible to diseases, so it is important not to handle them. If you find a sick or injured bat, please contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for help.
Are you trying to manage a nuisance bat problem in or around your property? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.
There’s no denying that the animal kingdom is full of surprises. From the tiny but mighty hummingbird to the gargantuan blue whale, there’s an incredible amount of diversity among Earth’s many creatures. And while we often think of animals as being limited to four-legged mammals or scaly reptiles, the truth is that there are all sorts of fascinating creatures out there, each with its own unique set of behaviors and adaptations. Whether you’re marveling at the strength of a wildebeest or the speed of a cheetah, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the wonders of the animal kingdom. In fact, most animals on our planet are vital to the surrounding ecosystem. These are known as keystone species.
Continue below to learn more facts about keystone species, including one Virginia bat that will surprise you!
Family of African Lions, a well-known Keystone species.
Keystone Species are Vital
A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays a critical role in the structure and function of an ecosystem. For example, large predators help to keep populations of their prey in check, which can help to maintain the balance of an ecosystem. Keystone species can also be important for pollination, seed dispersal, and other vital processes. When a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem, it can cause drastic changes that can result in the collapse of the entire system.
Examples of Keystone Species
There are many examples of keystone species in the natural world. One of the most well-known is the African lion. These predators help to control the populations of their prey, which can prevent overgrazing and keep the delicate balance of the ecosystem in check. Another example is the giant sequoia tree. These trees are some of the largest living organisms on Earth and play a vital role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Without them, our planet would be a much different place.
Humans can also have an impact on ecosystems as a keystone species. For better or for worse, our actions can cause drastic changes to ecosystems around us. We can inadvertently introduce invasive species that disrupt native ecosystems, or we can create pollution that harms or even kills plants and animals.
We can also choose to protect and conserve keystone species and their habitats, which can help to ensure the health of ecosystems around the world. No matter what our impact is, it’s important to remember that we are a part of the natural world, and our actions can have far-reaching consequences.
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
The Virginia Big Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a keystone species, meaning that its extinction would have a devastating ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. This bat is a subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat, a species of vesper bat found in North America. This subspecies is endemic to Virginia, United States. The Virginia big-eared bat is listed as a Species of Concern by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. It is also state-listed as endangered in Virginia. The primary threat to this species is habitat loss and fragmentation.
Are you dealing with nuisance bat problems or bats in the attic? You need a safe solution.Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.
Although it can be argued that all bats have big ears relative to their body size, there are a few bat species that really set the bar high. Here in Virginia, three big-eared bat species in particular are native to the region, and with great luck, spotted out in nature from time to time. What are these bats? Why are they special? Great questions!
Continue reading to learn some interesting and important facts about the Northern Long-Eared Bat, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat, and our state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared bat!
Northern Long-Eared BatRafinesque’s Big-Eared BatVirginia Big-Eared BatThe Virginia Big-Eared Bat
Big Ears No Tears
The bigger the ears the better; right? For Microchiroptera bats across the world, it is! Microbat species have an enlarged tragus in their ears that help them focus sound (some bats have this growth on their nose, like the Leaf-Nose bat). They have excellent hearing, as they are able to hear vocalizations of other bats from far away and at extremely high frequencies, between 14,000 and 100,000 hertz. Humans have a general hearing range of 20,000 hertz, just for reference.
So, all in all, bats are not apologetic for their big, old ears! They need them to communicate with other bats, hunt for prey, and much more! The most famous bats with large ears are the Northern Long-Eared Bat, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat, and Virginia Big-Eared bat. Below you will find the most interesting facts about each species, including their scientific name and classification, diet, habitat, range, and endangerment status.
🦇 Northern Long-Eared Bat
The Northern Long-Eared bat is scientifically called Myotisseptentrionalis.
As a microbat species, the Northern Long-Eared bat maintains an insectivorous diet consisting mostly of moths, flies, caddisflies, beetles, and even spiders. Unlike many other microbats, rather than preying on their meals mid-flight, the Northern Long-Eared bat uses a unique hunting method known as gleaning. Basically, they stick close to the tree lines and snatch up their prey directly from twigs, branches, and leaves.
You can usually find colonies of Northern Long-Eared bats in most regions of Virginia. Here in the state, they have taken liking to dams and mines for shelter. They also roost in caves and rocky crevices. They are not solitary, and often roost with other bat species, like Indiana bats and Little Brown bats.
Northern Long-Eared bats look much like Little Brown bats, in fact. But they have long ears that look like a rabbit that measure an average of a half an inch to 0.7 inches in length. They weigh an average of 3 ounces, which is similar to other regional bat species.
Northern Long-Eared bats are not endangered, but they are unfortunately a species that has been affected by White-Nose Syndrome. This fungal disease is one of the biggest and most impactful threats to this species.
🦇 Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat
The Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat is scientifically referred to as Corynorhinus rafinesquii.
The Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat is a microbat species found mostly in the bottomland hardwoods and swamps in the Coastal Plain regions of Virginia. They are typically found roosting in hollow trees or in caves but will also take up shelter in rock crevices and old buildings. Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat colonies in the appellation Mountains prefer roosting in caves, but it really just depends on the geographic location of the colony.
When it comes to diet, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats our insectivores like most other microbats. Their preferred meal is moths, but they also like to eat beetles and other flying insects.
The Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat has bigger ears than the Northern Long-Eared bat, coming in at 1.25 inches in length. They also have long, soft, bi-colored fur, making them quite the stunning bat. In fact, they look so similar to our state bat, that they are often confused for one another.
Unfortunately, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats are a state endangered bat and currently on the conservation list. The loss and degradation of their natural habitats is a top cause of the declining Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat population.
🦇 Virginia Big-Eared Bat
The Virginia Big-Eared bat is scientifically named Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus.
As our beloved state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared bat is an important bat species. They are not native to the entirety of the state, but rather in short ranges within West Virginia. They do not commonly travel outside of 20 mile radius from their roosts, although some have been found to travel 40 miles outside of their primary colony location when traveling between winter and summer roosts.
Virginia Big-Eared bats mostly roost in caves or along bodies of water in large rock crevices. It really just depends on the level of access and the season.
The Virginia Big-Eared bat has a very similar insectivorous diet to their pseudo-twin, the Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat, eating mostly moths. Virginia Big-Eared bats will also eat other insects, like flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and even wasps.
As for their ears, they maintain their status as the pseudo-twin to the Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat, with their large ears measuring in at 1.25 inches just the same.
Unfortunately, not only is the Virginia Big-Eared bat state-endangered, but they are also federally endangered. One of the top threats to the decline of their populations is
Well, there you have it; the top bat species in Virginia with big, long ears! Do your part to support bat conservation efforts by sealing your home properly against bat intrusions, plus protecting local bat populations by vaccinating your pets and even setting up some bat houses on your property!
Never, under any circumstances, attempt to touch, trap, catch, harm, or kill a bat. If you have a bat in the house, in the yard, or bats in the attic, contact a local and trusted wildlife critter control company for emergency bat removal services. They have the proper licensing, permits, training, and resources to remove bats and control their activity in and around your property.
Looking for a bat removal company in the Virginia areas?Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane critter control for bats in Richmond and all surrounding counties and locations. We serve both residential and commercial clients.
The Virginia Big-Eared bat is one of three federally-listed endangered species of bat in Virginia. In fact, it has been categorized as endangered since 1979 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are several interesting facts about the Virginia Big-Eared bat species, adding more reason to keep these precious critters protected and preserved.
Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, and what to do if you suspect you are having nuisance bat issues around your property.
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Scientific Classification for the Virginia Big-Eared Bat
The Virginia Big-Eared bat is indeed our state bat! It is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, is derived from their genus (Corynorhinus), species (C. townsendii), and subspecies (C. t. virginianus).
Physical Appearance
This special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age.
Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.
Behavior
The VBE bat usually mates in the fall and winter. Females actually store the male’s sperm until they begin ovulation, which generally occurs in late winter or early spring. Females have a gestation period of 3 months, and give birth to only one baby, called a “pup.”
The pup stay with the mother for up to 8 weeks, in which time they are fully-developed and capable of flight. These bats generally roost in caves, where they also hibernate for the winter. Because they prefer it, they are mostly found in mountainous limestone caves surrounded by forest with oak and hickory trees.
Range
Although they are called the Virginia Big-Eared bat, they are not just native to Virginia. They are also found in states like Kentucky and North Carolina. The Virginia Big-Eared bat species is not a migratory one; they stay in their caves all year, whether hibernating or not.
They only leave to hunt for food at night, which they do with the help of their amazing sonar abilities called echolocation. Bats see quite well, opposed to common belief, and only use their echolocation abilities to better dart and dive for insects. They are nocturnal, so it also improves their night-time navigational skills.
Nuisance Bats
If you are experiencing wildlife problems with bats, on or around your property, it is vital to contact a licensed Richmond VA bat control company for safe, humane, and non-lethal critter abatement services. Never attempt to trap, touch, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. This is also important since you never know if it is a federally-protected species.
Are you dealing with persistent nuisance bat problems? Do you suspect that you might have a bat infestation in the house?Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.
Here in Virginia, there are around 16 species of bat found around our local ranges. Common species include the Gray bat, Indiana bat, Hoary bat, Silver-Haired bat, Red bat, and of course, the Virginia Big-Eared bat. All Virginia bat species, and more, can be classified as either social or solitary. But their classification largely depends on their natural behaviors.
Continue reading to learn the difference between social and solitary bats, including which local bat species fit into each category.
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Solitary Bats
Solitary bats are just that: bats that keep to themselves. They do not settle and roost in colonies. Instead, they live alone and migrate south to warmer areas for the winter. Some species, however, are known to hibernate for the winter, rather than migrate. Generally, solitary bats take up shelter in trees along riverbeds, or in rock crevices. Common species of solitary bats here in Virginia include the Hoary bat, Red Bat, and Silver-Haired bat.
Solitary Bat Species:
➞ Silver-Haired Bat ➞ Red Bat ➞ Hoary Bat
Social Bats
Social bats are the exact opposite of solitary bats. They are colonists, meaning they take up shelter as groups, and hibernate in their chose shelter for the winter. Most often, social bats are found roosting in hollowed trees, abandoned mines, buildings, and even residential settings, like attics and wall voids. Common species of social bats include the Little Brown bat, Big Brown bat, Tri-Colored bat (formally known as Pipistrelle), Evening bat, Indiana bat, and Northern Long-Eared bat. Of these species, the Indiana and Evening bat are listed as endangered.
Social Bat Species:
➞ Indiana Bat ➞ Northern Long-Eared Bat ➞ Gray Bat ➞ Southeastern Bat
Social bats that are not typically found in Virginia: The Little Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat, Tri-Colored Bat (Pipistrelles), and Evening Bat.
Putting Up With Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia?
Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.
The Virginia Big-Eared bat is one of three federally-listed endangered species of bat in Virginia. In fact, it has been categorized as endangered since 1979 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are several interesting facts about the Virginia Big-Eared bat species, adding more reason to keep these precious critters protected and preserved.
Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, and what to do if you suspect you are having nuisance bat issues around your property.
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus
The Virginia Big-Eared bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, is derived from their genus (Corynorhinus), species (C. townsendii), and subspecies (C. t. virginianus).
What They Look Like
This special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age. Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.
How They Act
The VBE bat usually mates in the fall and winter. Females actually store the male’s sperm until they begin ovulation, which generally occurs in late winter or early spring. Females have a gestation period of 3 months, and give birth to only one baby, called a “pup.” The pup stay with the mother for up to 8 weeks, in which time they are fully-developed and capable of flight. These bats generally roost in caves, where they also hibernate for the winter. Because they prefer it, they are mostly found in mountainous limestone caves surrounded by forest with oak and hickory trees.
Where They Live
Although they are called the Virginia Big-Eared bat, they are not just native to Virginia. They are also found in states like Kentucky and North Carolina. The Virginia Big-Eared bat species is not a migratory one; they stay in their caves all year, whether hibernating or not. They only leave to hunt for food at night, which they do with the help of their amazing sonar abilities called echolocation. Bats see quite well, opposed to common belief, and only use their echolocating abilities to better dart and dive for insects. They are nocturnal, so it also improves their night-time navigational skills.
Nuisance Bat Problems?
It is vital to contact a licensed bat control company for safe, humane, and non-lethal bat abatement services. You should never attempt to trap, touch, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. This is also important since you never know if it is a federally-protected species.
Virginia Bat Removal and Control Near You
Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. They serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.
Here in Virginia, our state is home to many species of bats. In fact, we are home to the famous, Virginia Big-Eared Bat, which was officially appointed the prestigious title of our state bat more than 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day.
But when it comes to the Western parts of the state, bats are more abundant since the border is near so many cave systems and dense forests. From Roanoke to the West side border, a long list of bats can be spotted, including native species, federally-endangered species, and even just the occasional visitors.
Continue reading to learn more about them all!
Luray Caverns in Virginia is home to many valuable species of bat!
Bat Species in Western Areas of Virginia
The Western parts of Virginia are known for their beautiful and abundant cavernous systems, making it no surprise that many bat species live in the region. Some of the most common bats found in Western parts of the state include Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and of course, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. But there are plenty more fascinating bat species that are spotted in West VA caves, forests, riverbanks, and even abandoned mines!
Virginia Big-Eared Bats
Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky,
eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina.
As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of
western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels
vital to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory
or beech-maple-hemlock forests.
Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats
Little Brown bats (Myotis Lucifugus) and Big Brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are often confused for one another because they live in the same areas and look very similar. See our previous blog, “The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat” to learn all the interesting facts about these two incredible species, and what sets them apart.
Endangered Species
There are 3 particular species of bat in Virginia that are
Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered. All of them are currently
protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act strictly prohibits anyone
from attempting to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap,
capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct” with any endangered
or threatened species of wildlife, including bats. The bats that are on this
list include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), Virginia
Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and Rafinesque’s Big-Eared
Bat (State Endangered; also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).
Occasional Visitors:
? Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) ? Seminole Bats (Lasiurus seminolus) ? Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)
Trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control assistance you can trust. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Roanoke, Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and more. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.
If nuisance bats have been a problem in or around your
property all year, now is the time to put a stop to all the animal damages. Take
a stance against nuisance bat activity and damage by implementing a New Year’s
resolution to get rid of bats once and for all. Continue reading to learn
exactly what you need to do to accomplish your 2020 goal and keep your home
protected from destructive wildlife.
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
How to Get Rid of Bats
The first place to think about for bat prevention is the
exterior of the property. Roof shingles, windows, doors, siding, overhangs,
awnings, porches, and more should all be inspected for openings and
vulnerabilities. A licensed contractor should be hired to provide professional
sealing and repair services to ensure this step is done properly. Once you know
your property is adequately sealed from the outside, you can move onto the next
phase of bat control and prevention.
There are several products available on the market for
nuisance bat control. You can consider trying out some of these devices to see
if they can work for you. If they do not seem to add any value, simply return
them for a refund. One such device available is an ultrasonic wave machine that
use high-pitched sonar emissions to keep bats away. You can also consider a
sound machine that emits the sounds of certain predators that bats fear.
Aside from home repairs and electronic devices, you can also
install automatic lights outside of your property to keep bats from entering
your territory. Bats like the dark, so they will stay clear of bright, lit-up
areas. By having them set on motion sensors, you can save energy and keep additional
nuisance wildlife away.
If you live in the country or rural area, try compromising
with the local bat population by setting out bat houses far from your home.
These are just like bird houses except the opening is at the bottom, allowing
bats to fly in and hang from the top. This will not only keep them occupied and
away from your living quarters, it can also give licensed exclusionists an
advantage when relocating them to a safer habitat.
Hire a Professional Bat Removal Company
If you notice or find evidence of a bat infestation in or
around your property, it is important to understand that bat removal is not a
do-it-yourself job. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any
circumstances. Not only can this be dangerous to you and the bat, it can be
against the law if the bat is a threatened or federally-protected species. Here
in Virginia, our very own state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus
Townsendii Virginianus), is endangered.
Always use professional bat removal services to get rid of
bats, or inspect your home if you suspect bats are inside. They retain the
proper licensing and training to LEGALLY and safely remove bats and prevent
their return. Never try to catch, harm, or kill a wild bat. Call a bat removal
service instead! They use safe and non-lethal methods to remove bats and
relocate them to a faraway habitat.
Non-Lethal Bat Removal and Control in Virginia
Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.
Did you know we have a state bat here in the Old Dominion? The Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) was officially appointed the prestigious title 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day. As a proud Virginian, continue reading to learn more about our merry friend, the Virginia big-eared bat!
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
The Virginia big-eared bat is scientifically known as Corynorhinus
townsendii virginianus, as it belongs to the Corynorhinus genus, and is a subspecies
of the Townsend’s big-eared bat. Here is the breakdown of their specific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Chiroptera Family: Vespertilionidae Genus: Corynorhinus Species: C. townsendii Subspecies: C. t. virginianus Trinomial Name: Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus “Handley, 1955”
As for appearance, this special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age. Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.
Range, Habitat & Diet
Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky,
eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina.
As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of
western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels vital
to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory
or beech-maple-hemlock forests.
Like most microbats, Virginia big-eared bats eat an insectivorous diet. This particular species seems to really prefer Lepidoptera, which are a classification of insects that include moths and butterflies. They also consume thousands of mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and more. Read our blog, “Learn How Bats are Nature’s Pesticide” to learn how this benefits us personally and universally.
Conservation Status
Since 1979, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has categorized
the Virginia big-eared bat as an endangered species, which makes it highly
protected under state and federal law. According to Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management
of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study, an estimated 77% increase in the Virginia
big-eared bat populations took place between 1983 and 2009, which is great
news; but we are not out of the hole just yet.
Virginia big-eared bats require the utmost respect and attention in terms of conservation efforts. As an avid reader, you already know the importance bats have on our local Eco-systems and economies, so be sure to do your part to help preserve this special species. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to be a bat supporter.
Nuisance Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!
