Townsend's Big-Eared Bat

Plecotus townsendii

Not just another small inconspicuous bat, this species is easily identified by its abnormally long ears. Townsend's big-eared bat is approximately ten centimetres long while its ears are four centimetres long when extended. There two geographical races that can be found in Canada. Its range in Canada is quite limited as it only occurs in some portions of British Columbia. This bat is a social creature, remaining in large clusters of bats. Although this bat does hibernate, it does so without migrating to warmer locations. Instead, Townsend's big-eared bat stays in a cave where the temperatures can go as low as freezing. Not much is known about this bat's diet, but it is thought to hunt moths and other flying insects.

Distribution of Townsend's Big-Eared Bat in Canada