Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Category:

Actual Size: 3.5” in length with a wingspan of 12-14”

Characteristics: Medium size bodies covered in red or dark brown fur. Has black, forward-pointing ears, wrinkled lips, and long tails.

Habitat: In the wild, primarily roosts in caves. May also invade homes or buildings with tall and shaded ceilings or walls.

Habits: 

  • In the wintertime, they will migrate south for warmer temperatures. 
  • Mainly feeds on moths and other insects. 
  • Roosts in caves, abandoned buildings, and attics near water sources.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bats in Anaheim

Mexican free-tailed bats are named for their extremely long tails, which extend well past their tail membranes. Thanks to the long tail and slender wings, they can fly extremely quickly and are considered one of the fastest horizontal-moving animals. These bats use their speed and echolocation to hunt down small insects such as moths. Mexican free-tailed bats are also known for their extremely large colonies, which can grow to contain millions of bats at a time. 

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Habitat

Since Mexican free-tailed bats prefer warm environments, they are usually found in the southern half of the United States. They also move further south once temperatures start to drop in the fall, rather than hibernating. Mexican free-tailed bats mainly roost in caves but will also take advantage of abandoned buildings or homes with dark recesses in ceilings. They also prefer to roost near bodies of water, since these areas typically have a higher insect population for them to feed on. 

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

When it comes to the environment, Mexican free-tailed bats are extremely important. They help control insect populations and play a key role in the local ecosystem. However, when it comes to cities and suburban areas, these bats can be a big problem. Their colonies are huge and can contain hundreds of thousands of bats, all of which can spread serious diseases to humans. Like any other bat or wild animal, it’s important to call a professional pest control company if you come across these pests on your property. Attempting to remove or handle the bat on your own could result in a bite and major health consequences.