(bulldog or fisherman bats)

There are two species of medium-sized bats in this family, the greater bulldog bat and the lesser bulldog bat. They are found from Mexico south to South America.

Bulldog bats have full lips and cheek pouches that they use to store food! They have reddish-orange, yellowish-brown, or gray fur. They have long, pointed ears; long, narrow wings; legs that are longer than most the legs of most bat species; and large feet with claws.

Bulldog bats are good walkers and live in colonies in trees, rock crevices, attics, or caves. They are usually found near a source of water.

Both species eat flying insects. The greater bulldog bat uses its large feet and claws to catch fish, frogs, and crustaceans! It uses echolocation to locate the ripples caused by fish swimming near the surface of the water. It then uses it long, sharp claws to catch the fish. It takes its prey to a perch where it eats it.

Genus Information