Rafinesques big eared bat as the name implies have very large ears for its size. Although the Rafinsques bat is not protected it is listed as a species of concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Evidence had indicated an alarming decline in population although actual numbers are not known. Some state agencies have listed it as threatened.
As previously mentioned these bats have very large ears for its size measuring up to an inch long. The Rafinsques big-eared bat also has large facial glands protruding from eas side of its snot with silky grayish brown fur. They have a body length of 1.5-2.2 inches, a wingspan of 10-12 inches and can weigh 0.2 to 0.5 ounces.
These bats are insectivorous, feeding on soft bodied insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, flies and moths. They use echolation while feeding in flight.
Like most bats they mate in the fall and will store the sperm over winter and give birth in May to early June to a single pup. These pups will reach maturity on about trhee months and will become sexually mature at nine months. Rafinesques bats can live up to ten years in the wild.
Rafinsques big eared bats are rare throuhgout their entire range. Their were once thought to inhabit the entire Southeastern United States but are now only seen in coastal plains and the mountains. It is thought the major contributor of their decline is loss of habitat and use of pesticides.
Information on other types of Georgia Bats