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Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
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Scientific name: Corynorhinos
townsendii.
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Weight: 8-14 grams.
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Wingspan: 30-32
centimeters.
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Distribution: Southwestern Canada, the western United
States to southern Mexico, and a few isolated populations in the eastern
United States.
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Ecology and Behavior: In the eastern United States
with rare exception, this species has only been reported from caves. These
bats hibernate in caves or mines where the temperature is (54* F) or less,
but usually above freezing. Hibernation sites in caves often are near
entrances in well ventilated areas. If temperatures near the entrance
become extreme, they move to a more thermally stable part of the cave.
They hibernate in clusters of a few to mare than 100 individuals. During
hibernation, the long ears may be erect or coiled. Solitary bats sometimes
hang by only one foot. Maternity colonies usually are located in
relatively warm parts of the cave. During the maternity period, males are
apparently solitary. Where males spend the summer is unknown. No long
distance migrations are known. Like many other bats they return year after
year to the same roost sites.
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Food habits: May feed entirely on
moths. Reproduction: Mating begins in autumn and continues into winter,
sperm are stored during winter, and fertilization occurs shortly after
arousal from hibernation. One young is born during June. Young are large
at birth weighing nearly 25% as much as their mother. They can fly in 2-3
weeks and are weaned by 6 weeks. Lifespan may be 16 or more years.
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Status of Populations: Endangered. Probably fewer than 12,000
individuals exist in the eastern United States.
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