Utilization of Southwestern Bat Caves by Terrestrial Carnivores

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Publication Date

January 1972

Abstract

Utilization of bat caves in the southwestern United States by terrestrial mammals was investigated. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) made considerable use of the caves, feeding on fallen bats at the entrances and within the caves. Ringtail cats (Bassariscus astutus), opossums (Didelphis virginianus) and other terrestrial mammals appeared to use the caves less extensively. There was evidence of raccoon denning in at least one cave. No evidence of any canids using the caves was found.

Keywords

Bat Caves, United States, Mammals

Document Type

Article

Notes

The American Midland Naturalist, Vol. 87, no. 1 (1972-01-01).

Identifier

SFS0072904_00001

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