Scientific Name: Eptesicus fuscus

Classification: Mammal, Order Chiroptera

Conservation Status:

• Appears to be secure in Virginia. Inhabits a wide variety of habitats and is locally abundant.

Habitat: The big brown bat is found across the entire state and is one of the most common bats in the United States. It often hibernates in manmade structures including old buildings and churches but will use caves and rock shelters. It is a solitary hibernator but can occasionally be found in small clusters. During the summer, this bat is often found in barns, sheds, and old buildings. Females form maternity colonies under loose bark or in manmade structures. Occasionally, males may roost near the females but they typically are solitary.

Diet: They often emerge before dusk to feed and most foraging occurs within 1.2 miles of the roost site. Big brown bats can eat up to ⅓ their body weight in insects every night, frequently feeding on agricultural pests.

Distribution: The big brown bat inhabits a wide variety of habitats and is locally abundant.