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long-eared myotis may occur in Wind Cave National Park, but none have
been reported. The relatively long black ears of the long-eared myotis
are distinctive and dramatic in contrast with its paler body fur.
These bats are endemic to the west, ranging from southwestern Canada,
south through California into Baja, eastward through northern Arizona
and New Mexico and north into the Dakotas. They are found predominantly
in coniferous forests, typically only at higher elevations in southern
areas (between 7,000 and 8,500 feet). From British Columbia to northern
Arizona, they roost in tree cavities and beneath exfoliating bark
in both living trees and dead snags. Pregnant western long-eared myotis
often roost at ground level in rock crevices, fallen logs, and even
in the crevices of sawed-off stumps, but they cannot rear young in
such vulnerable locations. Only one other western forest bat has been
found regularly roosting at ground level, the western small-footed
myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum). Long-eared myotis capture prey
in flight, but also glean stationary insects from foliage or the ground.
Their main diet appears to consist of moths, and their relatively
quiet echolocation calls are well suited for sneaking up on prey undetected
as well as for maneuvering through cluttered habitats. |
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