Which species is most widely distributed across the United States?

The Big Brown Bat is recognized for its widespread distribution across the United States, thriving in various habitats ranging from urban areas to forests. This adaptability has allowed the species to populate diverse environments, contributing to its status as one of the most commonly encountered bat species in North America. The Big Brown Bat is well-suited for living in proximity to human settlements and can forage effectively in both rural and suburban areas.

In contrast, other bat species listed may have more localized distributions. For instance, the Little Brown Bat has experienced significant declines due to white-nose syndrome and, while it had a broad range, its populations are now more fragmented. The Evening Bat primarily inhabits the southeastern U.S., while the Mexican Free-tailed Bat, while also widespread, tends to be more common in specific areas particularly in the southwestern regions and migratory in behavior, focusing on warmer climates during different seasons. Thus, the Big Brown Bat stands out as the species with the most extensive and stable distribution across various environments in the United States.