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Big Brown Bat

Big Brown Bats in North Carolina

The big brown bat is one of the bigger bat species and also likely the most widely dispersed throughout North Carolina They are known to withstand conditions that other types of bats cannot, which is why they’re commonly found in cities and suburban environments alongside wooded areas. They prefer eating beetles over other insects, using their powerful jaws to chew through the beetles’ hard exoskeleton, however, they also eat moths, flies, wasps, and flying ants. Colonies range from 20 to 300 individuals and big brown bats can live a long time in the wild. That said, most die off during their first winter due to malnutrition throughout hibernation.

Big Brown Bat Habitat

Big brown bats have been found in a variety of habits including meadows, deserts, mountains, forests, suburban areas, and cities. They will hibernate in caves, mines, walls, attics, or other buildings. They enter into hibernation in November, often less than 50 miles away from their summer roosts. They hibernate in small groups and come out in the springtime.

Big Brown Bat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The big brown bat is nocturnal and will roost in several places during the day. They eat a number of insects but prefer beetles and are significant predators of agricultural pests. The average life expectancy is a bit over 6 years. The main threat of big brown bats is the fact that they roost and hibernate in buildings. Especially in the winter, they will enter homes and buildings for warmth in your attic or walls. Big brown bats are carriers of disease and it’s important to exercise extreme caution if you come across one. If you notice a bat has made its way into your building, never approach it or attempt to handle it yourself. Always contact a bat exterminator company.

Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bats in North Carolina

True to their name, little brown bats weigh less than half an ounce and are one of the smallest types of bats. They are found in many places, but are more typically found in the northern U.S. and are common in North Carolina. They are not territorial and tend to live in colonies of thousands of bats. These colonies congregate at nesting sites, known as roosts. These bats use a system called echolocation to seek out their insect prey.

Little Brown Bat Habitat

Little brown bats are found throughout North Carolina They can migrate hundreds of miles to get from summer habitats to their hibernaculum, which is the name for a roost occupied during the winter months. Little brown bats tend to choose caves, trees, rocks, woodpiles, and buildings as roost sites, making it potentially dangerous for suburban homes.

Little Brown Bat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Little brown bats feed on insects. They use a process called echolocation, which is similar to the sonar used on ships, to determine the location and size of their prey. These bats need to eat at least half their body weight in insects to prevent becoming malnourished. Little brown bats are nocturnal and their peak activity is a few hours after dusk. Little brown bats are known to roost in buildings, making it important to know how to prevent them. Bats can spread diseases including rabies. They aren’t typically aggressive but will bite if handled. If you notice a bat has made its way into your building, never approach it or attempt to handle it yourself. Always call a bat removal.

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