Little Brown Myotis (Little Brown Bat)
Myotis lucifugus
Status
Endangered (Federal)
Description
The Little Brown Myotis is a small brown bat with black ears, black wings, and a black tail membrane. Its wing span is about 22-27 cm (8-10 in). A variety of fur colors is possible, ranging from pale tan or reddish to dark brown. Its belly fur is a lighter color than its back fur. Its fur is glossy in appearance, though less so on its belly
Little Brown Bats are similar in appearance and life history to other at-risk Myotis species, notably the Northern Myotis (M. septentrionalis) and the Western Small-footed Myotis (M. ciliolabrum), which are federally endangered and provincially Blue-listed, respectively. The habitat, threats, and recommendations on this page can generally be applied to all three Species
Habitat
Little Brown Myotis often uses building and other structures to roost in the summer. They will also use cavities of trees and crevices on cliffs . Roosting sites are usually south facing and near a body of water which increases amount of flying insects in the area. They need open areas for foraging such as open canopy forests, ponds and clearings. In the winter most Little Brown Myotis need to cluster in hibernaculas to conserve energy and water. Hibernaculas are usually located in crevices in cliffs or tree cavities.
Threats
-Direct mortality from White-nose Syndrome (not yet present in BC, but may arrive soon)
-Predation by free-roaming cats
-Destruction or degradation of roosting, hibernation or foraging sites
You Can Help!
-Keep cats indoors, or restrict outdoor time and roaming
-Retain and protect known roosting, hibernation, and foraging sites
-Report any bat you see flying during the day, during the winter, or any other strange behaviour to bcbats.ca
