Big brown bat

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Big brown bat
BioKIDS
Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species
Museum of Zoology
University of Michigan

Where in the world do they live?
Big brown bats are native to the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. They live throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada, throughout the United states, south through Mexico, and along the Andean mountain chain into Colombia. They have colonized some islands of the West Indies including Cuba, Puerto Rica, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.

What kind of habitat do they need?
Big brown bats are the most common bat in cities, towns, and rural areas. These bats can live in many human dwellings, including homes, barns, churches, athletic stadiums, and storm sewers. They also roost in tree hollows and caves. Big brown bats forage in a variety of habitats including rivers and streams, forested areas, over open fields, and along city streets. Big brown bats are highly adaptable.

What do they eat?
Big brown bats are insectivores, eating mostly beetles. They will also eat other flying insects including moths, flies, wasps, and others. They use their strong teeth to chew though the hard outer shell of the insects. Big brown bats only eat in warm months when insects are alive.

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