Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Tadarida brasiliensis
The Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat is a fast-flying native insect eater that forms colonies in caves, bridges, and buildings.
The Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat is a fast-flying native insect eater that forms colonies in caves, bridges, and buildings.
A medium-small brown bat with broad forward-pointing ears, wrinkled lips, long narrow wings, and a tail that extends beyond the tail membrane.
Emerges near dusk, climbs high into open air, and flies rapidly while using echolocation. Colonies may contain many individuals packed into protected crevices.
Never touch a bat with bare hands. Keep people and pets away from grounded bats. Contact animal control or a licensed wildlife professional after possible contact.
Florida protects bats from unauthorized take. Building exclusions must follow current FWC methods and seasonal restrictions. Never seal flightless young inside a roost.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Night-flying insects, especially moths, beetles, true bugs, flies, and winged ants.
Behavior:
Emerges near dusk, climbs high into open air, and flies rapidly while using echolocation. Colonies may contain many individuals packed into protected crevices.
Nighttime, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
At dusk near bridges, bat houses, large buildings, and open water
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Do Not Handle
Safety Information:
Never touch a bat with bare hands. Keep people and pets away from grounded bats. Contact animal control or a licensed wildlife professional after possible contact.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes large numbers of flying insects and supports natural pest control around landscapes, ponds, and agricultural areas.
Property Concerns:
Colonies inside buildings may create guano, odor, staining, and entry-point problems. Seal structures only with lawful, humane exclusion methods.
Fun Fact:
Its long narrow wings support fast, high flight. The free tail extends visibly beyond the membrane between the hind legs.
Wildlife Laws:
Florida protects bats from unauthorized take. Building exclusions must follow current FWC methods and seasonal restrictions. Never seal flightless young inside a roost.
Identification:
A medium-small brown bat with broad forward-pointing ears, wrinkled lips, long narrow wings, and a tail that extends beyond the tail membrane.