Biology of Big Brown Bat

Big brown bats differ very little from big brown bats in their habits or lifestyle, but mainly differ in size. The large brown bat is resembles a rat with wings. It is an extremely hardy species of common bat, and found in almost every type of environment. It is approximately 2ounces in weight with a 12” inch wingspan. Females are larger than males, and both have powerful jaws. Their diet consists of insects, and beetles are their favorite food. They are active primarily at night. Like other bats, they communicate through a series of high pitched chirps and squeaks that are not in the human range of sound. They fly around using sonar or echolocation to guide them. These bats emit a series of sounds that bounce off objects around them and give them a map of where they are going.


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While in flight it is notable that the big brown bat emits an audible sound like a loud click, or hiss like escaping steam. No one knows why. Big brown bats prefer to hibernate in locations different from their summer roosts and tend to look for subterranean caves. From November to March males and females will mate, and the young will be born in a maternity colony in June. In these maternity colonies the females are supportive of each other and all help with the pups. Babies will stay with the mother till about 6 months.

Large brown bats choose their roosts with safety first in mind. Big brown bats seem to be the most common bat found in both cities and rural areas. These bats can adapt to most human dwellings, like attics, barns, subways, stadiums, and under bridges. They will also happily roost in hollow trees and caves. Big brown bats love to forage and enjoy a variety of habitats like rivers forested areas, lake shores, open fields, and lit city streets. Like most bats, big brown bats are highly adaptable. Although their life span can be up to 19 years, a large percentage doesn’t make it past their first winter hibernation because they don’t store enough fat.

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