Family: Mormoopidae, Leaf-chinned Bats view all from this family
Description Reddish-brown to dark brown bat; immediately recognizable by its bizarre face, with folds of skin across chin from ear to ear, a feature unique among North American bats. Short tail projects from upper side of interfemoral membrane. L 2 3/8-2 5/8" (59-66 mm); T average 1" (27 mm); HF average 1/2" (12 mm); FA 1 3/4-2 1/4" (46-56 mm).
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.
Breeding 1 young, probably born late May-early June.
Habitat Desert or scrub. Usually roosts in very hot and humid caves or mines; seldom in buildings.
Range Southeastern Arizona and s Texas south into Mexico.
Discussion Strong, swift fliers, Ghost-faced Bats emerge late in the evening to hunt just above the ground. They roost in loose colonies. While colony size varies, up to 500,000 bats have been found in one roost in Mexico. These bats occur in much lower numbers in the United States. Large areas are needed to house great numbers of Ghost-faced Bats, as they tend to space themselves about 6 inches (150 mm) apart over the available space. These bats apparently do not hibernate in winter.
