This #wildlifewednesday features the Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius). The northern yellow bat’s name is derived from its locale which is north of the equator and along coastal regions of the southeastern U.S., and the color of its fur which ranges from yellowish-orange to brownish-gray. The bats’ fur are important as a means of camouflage that blends in almost perfectly with its preferred roosting (resting or sleeping) site: the dead fronds of cabbage palms and Spa...nish moss. Some other distinguishing characteristics of the northern yellow bat are that it has a fully furred upper tail membrane and it has short, rounded ears. Compared to many of Florida’s other bat species, the northern yellow bat can be considered quite large. Its body length is on average 2.5-3 inches and its wingspan is 14-16 inches; females are also slightly larger than males.
Northern yellow bats are nonmigratory and typically active year-round especially in warmer climates like those of Florida. Mating season is during the fall and winter, with delayed fertilization that doesn’t take place until spring. Twin pups are usually born in May or June and they are completely dependent on their mother. All male or all female groups will roost together in small numbers, and if a female with pups is disturbed at the roost she will pick them up and relocate to a safer roost.
