Northern Long-eared Bat
- Scientific Name: Myotis septentrionalis
- Weight: 6-7 grams
- Wingspan: 22-26 centimeters
- Distribution: Southern Canada and the eastern United States southward to northern Florida.
- Ecology and Behavior: Northern long-eared bats hibernate in parts of
caves and mines that are relatively cool, moist, and where the air is still.
Hibernation may begin as early as August and may last for eight or nine months
in northern latitudes. In summer, they roost by day in a variety of shelters,
including buildings and under tree bark or shutters, but at night they commonly use
caves as roosts. Except for small maternity colonies, they usually roost singly.
Although they frequently hang out in the open, they seem to prefer tight crevices and holes.
Sometimes only the nose and ears are visible, but they can be distinguished from other
species of Myotis by their long ears.
- Reproduction: Presumably most mating occurs in autumn
prior to hibernation. Apparently small nursery colonies are
formed in June and July where pregnant females give
birth to one young. Mothers may be able to retrieve their
young that fall down from the roost sites. The lifespan is
thought to exceed 18 years.
- Status of Populations: These bats are not common.
They are more common in the northern portion of their
range than in the South.
