Western Mastiff Bat

Western Mastiff Bat
Eumops perotis

The Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis) is the largest native bat found in the country. Unlike many other species of bats, they are more solitary. They can roost alone or in smaller colonies of no more than 100 bats. One of their most notable features is their large ears, which are almost as long as their entire head. 

They are found in the U.S. Southwest and into Mexico, with a subspecies found in South America. They are able to live in a variety of habitats like oak woodlands, grasslands, conifer forests, and semi-arid regions. 

Lindsay’s Western Mastiff Bat is named Cloud. She was found near a windmill in the Altamont Pass area and was suffering from multiple wounds. Cloud became an animal ambassador in August of 2019. Because of a shoulder and wrist injury, she is unable to fly and thus would not be able to hunt insects if released to the wild.

Cloud engages in positive reinforcement- based operant conditioning that allows her to actively participate in her own health care. Due to the trust built between Cloud and her caretakers, she is comfortable being handled for veterinary check-ups and can be asked to move from one location to another by being presented with a visual “target” in the next desired location. Her favorite treat during this training is a big tasty superworm!

Cloud currently lives behind the scenes at Lindsay Wildlife so be sure to check out our daily programming for a chance to see her up close.