Big Brown Bat

Description:

The big brown is 4.1-4.8 inches long; wingspread, 12.1-12.9 inches; weight, 0.420.56 ounces. The fur is dark brown, and the face, ears, and flight membranes are blackish.

Habitat:

This common bat ranges throughout the state in diverse habitats: attics, belfries, barns, behind doors and shutters, hollow trees, in city and country.

Notes:

Bats in Pennsylvania have been scarce these last few years after a poorly understood disease called White Nose Syndrome has taken out the population drastically. White nose is associated with the deaths of at least 5.7 million to 6.7 million North American bats. The syndrome appears to be caused by a fungus, treatment unknown. What it does is cause bats to stir during hibernation making them emerge far earlier then they should to which the result is freezing to death. Luckily for this little guy, in Wayne County, his nose wasn't white and I hope he lives a full happy life.