Mammal
Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus rafinesquiiAlso known as Southeastern Big-eared Bat
Rafinesque's big-eared bats navigate dense bottomland hardwood forests using high-frequency echolocation, hunting moths and flying insects under cover of darkness. Possessing enormous ears that exceed one-third of their total body length, these bats curl their ears into horn-like coils when resting to conserve heat. Maternal colonies roost inside dark hollow trees, abandoned buildings, or cave entrances, remaining exceptionally sensitive to human disturbance.
NocturnalInsectivoreMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMoths, Beetles, Flies
Predators
- Owls
- Snakes
- Raccoons
ThreatsDeforestation, roost disturbance, loss of mature hollow trees
HabitatsBottomland hardwood forests, cypress swamps, caves, abandoned structures
Life span10–14 years
Classification
- FamilyVespertilionidae
- SpeciesCorynorhinus rafinesquii
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May carry rabies or bite if cornered; observe roosts quietly from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can transmit the rabies virus through bites or scratches and can inflict a sharp defensive bite if handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Features enormous ears over 2.5 cm long, facial glands, and greyish-brown fur with stark white toe hairs.
- What to do
- Never touch or pick up a grounded bat; contact local wildlife rescuers for assistance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by massive ears that curl back like ram horns during periods of torpor or rest.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance from roost openings and refrain from entering active cave hibernacula.
Responsible observation
- Roost Observation: Use red light and minimize sound near tree hollows to avoid flushing colonies.
- Habitat Protection: Preserve mature bottomland hardwood stands containing hollow roosting trees.
Frequent Companion (c) Fyn Kynd, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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