Big Brown

Scientific Name: Eptesicus fuscus

Photo taken by Merlin Tuttle

Description: The Big Brown bat’s (Eptesicus fuscus) fur ranges from light brown to chesnut, with an even paler belly. The fur itself is long and greasy. It has an average length of 111 mm and ways approximately 13-30 grams.

Distribution: Map of Big Brown bat in Texas

About the Big Brown Bat: The Big Brown bat will switch roosts every 2-3 days, sticking to buildings when possible but also roosting in tunnels, hollow trees, and rock crevices. In maternity colonies up to 700 individuals these bats will hibernate during the winter. An interesting fact about their young, Big Brown bats in the East United States usually produce 2 pups, while those in the West typically have 1. Texas falls in the middle, thus Big Brown bats in the Trans-Pecos region have 1 pup, and those in the South Central Plains have 2.

Status: Least Concern
For more information go to the IUCN Red List Website for the Big Brown bat

For more information about the Big Brown bat go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Big Brown Bat Fact Sheet