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Project Noah Nature School
Myotis yumanensis
San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, caught flying over a local river. The river is located in a lush valley lying between arid mountains.
This bat was unintentionally capture during a bird banding survey. It was rather tangled but we managed to free and release it without incident.
Please consider adding this spotting to the new North American Bat Tracker mission at http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/1830...
It's a western pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus hesperus). It's not only the smallest bat inhabiting North America, but the distinct contrast between its black face, ears, and wing membranes indicate it's a "pip."
It's without a doubt a type of Myotis (mouse-eared) bat, and my best guess is Yuma--though it could also be Western Small-Footed Myotis, Small-Footed Dark-Nosed Myotis, California Myotis, or Long-Legged Myotis (creative names, huh?). Anyways, gorgeous shots of an adorable little guy!
Spotted on Sep 8, 2011
Submitted on Sep 8, 2011
