Northern Long-Eared Bat

Northern Long-Eared Bat Facts

Also known as the mouse-eared bat, the Northern long-eared bat is distinguished by its long ears. This bat species is primarily found in the forests throughout the Eastern United States, as well as Canada.

During the day, the Northern long-eared bat roosts in trees and artificial structures. At night, the bat forages for insects such as moths, flies, leafhoppers, caddisflies, and beetles.

Being that they are nocturnal, Northern long-eared bats use echolocation in order to navigate and hunt in the dark. These bats spend their winters hibernating in caves and mines, only awakening for a single day at a time if they desperately need water.

Currently however, the Northern long-eared bat is being threatened by white-nose syndrome or WNS. Bats with WNS suffer from a fungus that causes the bats to end hibernation prematurely. This often results in the bat dying from starvation due to the lack of insects for food.

Northern Long-Eared Bat Bites

Since they feed on insects, Northern long-eared bats tend not to bite humans.

However, these bats can sometimes carry rabies, causing it to act unnaturally. This could cause a potentially dangerous situation for humans, including being bitten by an infected bat.

If you come into contact with a bat and think you may have been scratched or bitten, seek medical attention right away.

Northern Long-Eared Bat Infestation

Although it is more common for northern long-eared bats to roost in trees and hibernate in caves, it is possible that these bats will choose your home as its own.

Bat infestations need to be handled appropriately; ignoring them could lead to serious damage to your home and health.

An accumulation of bat droppings known as guano, can lead to insulation and drywall damage. Additionally, bat guano contains spores of a lung-infecting fungus that causes Histoplasmosis, a disease that can be fatal due to organ failure.

Types of Northern Long-Eared Bats

Northern Long-Eared Bat Identification

The Northern long-eared bat ranges in size. It can reach anywhere between three to four inches in length, and has a wingspan of nine to 10 inches. Its fur can be medium to dark brown, with an underbelly that is slightly more pale. As you can tell from its name, the bat can be distinguished by its long ears, which are much longer than other bats in its genus, Myotis.

Northern Long-Eared Bats in the House & Attic

Able to squeeze in tight spaces, the Northern long-eared bat has been known to make its way indoors through even the smallest of crawlspaces. Usually found in the attic or basement, these bats can cause structural damage, and can even be a health risk to everyone on the property.

If you suspect there is a bat in your home, it’s likely not alone, as female bats often gather in large maternity roosts to have and nurse their babies. Varying by state, typically most species of bats are considered protected mammals that must be handled with care. These regulations prohibit the removal of bats from approximately early June through mid-August, as the bats’ young, called pups, aren’t strong enough to be displaced.