Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)
The Northern yellow bat is the largest bat that inhabits the eastern United States. It can reach sizes between 13 and 16 inches long. This bat ranges in color from a yellowish-orange to brown, too almost gray. They are a non-migratory species that inhabit the warmer regions of the United States. Because they do not migrate, they will go into a torpor state during colder times because they need weather of around 70 degrees or more in order to feed.
They live in the areas of the country that will support the growth of Spanish moss from South Carolina to Cuba and along the Gulf Coast to Texas. They roost in the Spanish moss that grows in the trees or under dead palm fronds in trees of these areas. They are normally solitary, but moms will roost in maternity groups in order to rear their young. They mate during the fall and, like many bat species, the females store the sperm until they are ready to ovulate.
They are not a species that is of any concern as far as conservation is concerned. They have stable populations that are controlled by predators like owls. Scientists have seen a decline in areas of agriculture which is attributed to the use of pesticides. Much of this decline has been noticed throughout parts of Florida.