Bats are the only flying mammals in the world. Most species feed
on insects
or pollen and are important at controlling insect populations or
cross-pollinating
plants.
Florida is home to 13 species of bats and the CREW region is
home to 7 of those
bats.
Big Brown Bat - Rare in south Florida - this bat has a 14
inch wingspan
and has been known to roost in the leaves of Florida and Cuban
Royal Palms.
Eastern Pipestrelle - although they are not common, they
are found throughout
Florida roosting in caves, foliage, tree cavities and even Spanish
moss.
Evening Bat - In Florida this bat can roost in colonies
up to 70 or
more bats. This species is common in South Florida except for the
keys.
Yellow Bat - This bat is found commonly through out
Florida and is one
of the largest bats in the state with a wingspan of 16 inches. The
yellow fur
helps them camoflauge among dead palm fronds.
Seminole Bat - This bat can give birth to 3-4 pups and
the solitary
roosters prefer pine trees and Spanish Moss
Mexican Free-tailed Bat - This bat forms large colonies
of several thousand
bats and prefer human-made structures including bridges and
buildings. Over
50,000 bats once roosted in the old Tampa Stadium. On the CREW,
Mexican Free-tails
prefer the bat houses.
Florida Bonneted Bat - This bat is found in south Florida
and the keys.
It's consisdered one of the rarest bats in the state and gives
birth to only
one pup a year.