The Virginia Big Eared Bat is the State Bat of Virginia and is an endangered subspecies of the Townsend’s Big-Eared bat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service added this cave bat to the endangered species list in 1979. It is estimated that only approximately 20,000 remain in the areas of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina.
Humane bat removal is vital to this species continued existence. Homeowners of Fairfax generally do not encounter problems with this bat taking up residence in attics. This nonmigratory bat generally prefers living in caves surrounded by trees and forest, and avoid human presence, loud noises and bright lights. If you have discovered bats in the attic, our experts of Animal Control Solutions can assess the problem to determine the type of bat and the best, most humane Fairfax Bat Removal method.
The Virginia Big Eared bat is one of the largest cave dwelling bats of the area but is classified as a medium sized bat. It it between 3-4" long and weighs less than a half ounce. It has long light brown to dark fur and is easily recognized by its large ears.
Virginia Big-eared bats are isectivores. diet consist mostly of moths, but they also feed on flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, stinging insects, and beetles. They feed mostly over open pastures such as corn and alfalfa fields
These bats mate during the fall and winter months. After mating the female will store the sperm until the time she ovulates which occurs in the spring once they wake from hibernation. The female will be pregnant for 3 months and give birth to just one pup in May or June. After 3-4 weeks pups are able to fly and reach full maturity and be able to fly from the roost within two months.