Alternate name: Mexican Free-tailed Bat

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

Description The most common member of the family has deeply furrowed lips, and ears that are not joined at the midline. Forearm 36-46mm.

Dimensions 85-109mm, 30-39mm, 10-15g

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 Cities, suburbs & towns, Meadows & fields, Canyons & caves, Deserts, Scrub, shrub & brushlands

Range Plains, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Florida, Texas, California, Northwest

Discussion Also known as Brazilian Free-tailed Bat. It forms summer nursery colonies of millions of individuals in large caves.