Western Mastiff Bat

Eumops perotis

Safety note: May carry rabies — do not approach or handle.

The Western Mastiff Bat is the largest bat in North America, with a wingspan reaching 22 inches. Its massive, free-tailed structure requires it to drop from high cliff edges or tall buildings to gain enough airspeed before it can fly. Its echolocation calls are so low in frequency they are audible to the human ear as a faint buzzing.

Habitat

Arid cliffs, tall buildings, and open desert landscapes

Diet

Large moths, beetles, and other large insects

How common

Uncommon

Not certain it is a Western Mastiff Bat? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.