Family: Vespertilionidae, Vespertilionid Bats view all from this family

Description A distinctive looking bat with mottled reddish and grayish pelage that extends well over the interfemoral membrane. The ears are low and rounded; tragus is short and blunt. Red bats have a small projection known as a “lacrimal shelf” at the back of the skull. Forearm 37-42mm (yellow area on map).

Dimensions 95-126mm, 45-62mm, 7-16g

Warning Bats are susceptible to rabies, a serious viral disease that results in death if untreated. Rabid bats rarely attack humans or other animals, but bats found lying on the ground may be rabid. Never touch or pick up any bat. Stay away from any animal that seems to be acting strangely and report it to animal-control officers. If you are bitten by a possibly rabid animal, you must immediately consult a doctor for a series of injections; there is no cure once symptoms emerge.

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Meadows & fields

Range Plains, Great Lakes, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Florida, Texas, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada

Discussion Also known as Eastern Red Bat