In today’s Bat Week post, we’re checking out the adorable “California Leaf-Nosed Bat.” The California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus) is a gray-furred, medium-sized bat, which has a leaf-shaped structure on its nose.

The ears are large (1.1-1.5 inches, 29-38 mm) and are joined near their base. Roosting leaf-nosed bats do not cluster in tight packs, as most other bat species. Total lifespan of California leaf-nosed bats is not known; however, one was recaptured after 15 years. California leaf-nosed bats do not migrate long distances nor do they hibernate.

Instead they maintain a year-round presence by roosting in a cave or mine that maintains a high temperature (greater than 82ºF or 28ºC); many of these caves are geothermally heated.

Learn more about the California Leaf-Nosed Bat here: https://go.usa.gov/xngWq

We can bear-ly handle how cute this is: 4 baby bears 🐻 at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge #Alaska

americasgreatoutdoors:

Cuteness alert: four adorable bear cubs go on a walk with their mother in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. It’s rare to see a mother bear with that many cubs – they usually only have two or three baby bears. Next Friday, August 19, marks the 75th anniversary of the refuge, which was created to protect Kodiak bears and their habitat. Video by Lisa Hupp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

americasgreatoutdoors:

Need a break from the snow and cold weather hitting much of the U.S.? Take the chill off of winter and escape to six of America’s beautiful (and warm) public lands: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

You won’t even have to leave the country to visit to these amazing tropical getaways. 🌴🌊🏄