Western Bonneted Bat

The western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis), also known as the western bonneted bat, the greater mastiff bat, or the greater bonneted bat, is a member of the free-tailed bat family, Molossidae. It is found in the Western United States, Mexico and South America. This species is the largest bat native to North America, and some of its distinguishing characteristics are its large ears, wings, and forearms. The subspecies Eumops perotis californicus is a species of concern as identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The range of this subspecies is principally southwest desert regions of the United States, along the border with Mexico; however, the range extends as far north on the Pacific coast as Alameda County, California. == Range and habitat == The western mastiff bat is located in both South America and North America. In South America, the species is found in Brazil and its neighboring countries, ranging southward to northern Argentina. It can also be found in Cuba. The subspecies in North America, Eumops perotis californicus, resides in the southwestern United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and ranges southward to parts of central Mexico. The greater mastiff bat prefers to live in habitats with open…