Eastern red bat
Lasiurus borealis
35.9021, -86.8826
Field Notes
Description:
Eastern red bats are North America's most abundant “tree bats" & roost right out in the foliage of deciduous or sometimes evergreen trees. Despite their bright red color, these bats are actually rather cryptic, looking like dead leaves or pine cones. They are perfectly camouflaged as they hang curled-up in their furry tail membranes, suspended from a single foot, twisting slightly in the breeze. For the most part, red bats are solitary, coming together only to mate and to migrate.
Habitat:
Semi rural
Notes:
I was alerted to its presence when all three of our cats started to hurl themselves at the window! This little guy was behind a stack of wood on our deck & couldn't seem to find its own way out. I picked him up (wearing latex gloves) & checked for injuries. Thankfully it seemed unharmed with not sign of injury or fungal infection. I had planned to take a few photos of him in my hand but it started to make a lot of noise so I released it straight away so I didn't cause it any more distress.
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