Family: Molossidae, Free-tailed Bats view all from this family

Description A large bat. Fur reddish brown, dark brown, or black; hairs white at base. Tail extends 1" (25 mm) or more beyond interfemoral membrane. Ears joined at base; extend beyond tip of nose when laid forward. L 5 1/8-5 5/8" (129-144 mm); T 1 5/8-2" (43-50 mm); HF 1/4- 3/8" (7-11 mm); FA 2 1/4-2 1/2" (58-64 mm); Wt average 3/4 oz (20.6 g).

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.

Similar Species Underwood's Mastiff and Western Mastiff bats are larger. Other free-tailed bats are smaller.

Breeding 1 young born in late spring or early summer.

Habitat Rocky areas. Roosts by day in rocky cliffs (in crevices or under rock slabs); sometimes caves, buildings, or tree holes.

Range Locally abundant in parts of California and Nevada east to Kansas and Texas.

Discussion This colonial bat emerges late in the evening to feed primarily on moths, though it also will eat crickets, grasshoppers, ants, and other insects, sometimes chattering loudly when feeding. It is widespread but usually uncommon; there have been scattered autumn records in British Columbia and Iowa, far from its normal range.