HOARY BAT
Lasiurus cinereus
DESCRIPTION
The Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is a large bat species known for its distinctive frosted fur. It is primarily found in North America and is recognized for its long, pointed wings and a robust body.
FUN FACTS
- Hoary bats are one of the largest bat species in North America | They are known for their long migrations, sometimes traveling over 1,000 miles | Their fur appears frosted due to the light tips of their hair
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 15 years in the wild
Average Weight15-30 g
Average Length12-14 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonLate spring to early summer
- Habitat
- Hoary bats prefer wooded areas and open spaces near forests, often roosting in trees. They are also found in suburban areas and near water sources.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- North America, from southern Canada to the southern United States and parts of Central America.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Hoary bats primarily feed on insects, including moths, beetles, and flies. They are known to catch their prey in flight using echolocation.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- moths, beetles
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
CR
VU
15-30 g
Weight
12-14 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Frosted grayish-brown fur with a lighter underside.
- Lifespan
- up to 15 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 50-60 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Late spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines have been observed in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and wind turbine collisions. Pesticide use also impacts their food supply.
- Predators
- Owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Hoary bats rely on their ability to fly quickly and maneuver to evade predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare