Eastern Small-footed Myotis
Myotis leibii
Chuck Fergus
Also known as Leib’s bat, this species is one of the smallest in North America: length, 2.8 - 3.3 inches; wingspread, 8.3 - 9.7 inches; weight, 0.18 - 0.28 ounces. As the name implies, it has a very small foot when compared with other bats. When viewed from the front, the bat has a distinct black mask that stretches from ear tip to ear tip. In Pennsylvania, it is rare, and the population is thought to be decreasing; it is classified as a threatened species on the state list. Very little is known about this bat’s summer habitat and lifestyle.
The small-footed bat resembles the little brown bat, but has a golden tint to its fur. Feeding and breeding habits probably parallel those of the other small, closely related species. The small-footed bat waits until November to enter caves for hibernating, and emerges in March. It hibernates in narrow cracks in the cave wall, floor or roof, singly and in groups of up to 50 or more. It usually stays close to entrances where the temperature is just above freezing.
