Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cine reus) 



Description: Can be distinguished from other bats by a combination of its large size (20-35 g) 

 and distinctive coloration. Dorsal pelage varies from yellowish brown to mahogany, 

 frosted with silver ( imparting a "hoary" appearance). Hairs on the neck are longer 

 than those on the back, forming a slight "ruff." The wings are furred outward to the 

 level of the elbows, and the dorsal surface of the uropatagium is covered with dense 

 fur There is a yellowish white patch on each sh alder and a cream-colored spot near 

 the wrist. Ears are short (17-20 mm) and broad, and the calcar is moderately keeled. 



Distribution: Widespread across southern Canada south through the United States to northern 

 South America 



Habitat and Habits: Occurs in many places during migration, but found in wooded habitats 

 during the breeding season. Day roosts (about 3-5 m above ground) are mostly in 

 trees, well-covered with vegetation above and open below; apparently both deciduous 

 and coniferous trees are used. Enters caves and houses only rarely. Solitary or in 

 small family groups during summer, although larger aggregations may form during 

 migration. Mating may take place before migration or on the wintering grounds; 

 females are pregnant by the time they migrate north. Lactating females and volant 

 young have been collected in July in the Long Pines and Ekalaka Hills (Jones et al. 

 1973); pregnant and lactating females have been found in June in the Black Hills 

 (Turner 1974). This species has not been found wintering in the region; there is a late 

 autumn record from the Black Hills on 31 August (Turner 1974). Emerges later in the 

 evening than other species and is a swift flyer. Flies low, occasionally impaling itself 

 on barbed-wire fences. This bat regularly emits a chattering during flight that is 

 audible to the human ear. In 1994, this species was detected on 27 September at 

 Pedalower Reservoir. North Cave Hills, and on 29 September at McNab Pond. Ekalaka 

 Hills (Appendix B3). 

 Status: A common summer resident in the Long Pines (Jones et al. 1973), but Anderson and 

 Jones (1971) considered this species uncommon in Harding County, South Dakota. 

 Locally abundant in the Black Hills (Turner 1974). This species has been recorded 

 from Ekalaka Hills, the Long Pines, North Cave Hills, and Slim Buttes (Appendix B4). 

 The Hoary Bat is not listed by any federal agency. 

 Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; not on Species of Special Concern lists for Montana or 

 South Dakota. 



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