Canyon Bats (Pipistrellus hesperus) are the smallest North American bats. They often come out during the daytime and can be seen flying about in the afternoon catching flying insects. The flight pattern is light and buoyant, quickly changing direction to catch something tasty. When seen during the day, these tiny bats can be recognized by their light, tan fur and black bandit mask.

The membrane between the legs (tail membrane or uropatagium) is used like a basket to scoop up flying bugs. When it catches something in its uropatagium, the bat will reach down and grab the bug with its sharp teeth and eat it on the wing.

Canyon Bats are solitary bats (not colonial).

Taxonomy: Order: Chiroptera, Family: Vespertilionidae. Formerly Western Pipistrelle Bat.