Townsend Big-Eared Bats

Townsend Big-Eared Bat

Townsend Big-Eared Bat

The Townsend Big-Eared Bat is a species of concern that is being protected at the Kentucky Mine. These agile fliers venture out to forage only after dark, using their keen echolocation to hunt moths and other insects. In the spring and summer, females form maternity colonies in mines, caves, or buildings, while males roost individually.

In winter, these bats hibernate in caves and abandoned mines. They are extremely sensitive to disturbance at their roosting sites and have suffered severe population declines throughout much of the U.S.