The fungus affects hibernating bats, and appears as a white powder covering the face and wings, hence the name. Twenty states already went under an emergency protection order last week, and 13 states in the South are expected to be closed this month. The closings could last for a year. Peter Haberland, a member of the Northeastern Cave Conservatory board, doesn't expect objections from organized caving groups: “For a period of a year, most people can deal with that." (Read more)
Monday, May 04, 2009
Caves closing in 33 states to fight bat-killing fungus
In the past two years, a fungus has spread through U.S. bat populations at an alarming rate, killing almost a half-million of the flying mammals. In an attempt to curb the spread of "white-nose syndrome," the Forest Service will close caves and former mines in 33 states. "Researchers believe the fungus is spread from bat to bat, but they have not ruled out a human connection," The Associated Press reports, citing a Forest Service biologist.
The fungus affects hibernating bats, and appears as a white powder covering the face and wings, hence the name. Twenty states already went under an emergency protection order last week, and 13 states in the South are expected to be closed this month. The closings could last for a year. Peter Haberland, a member of the Northeastern Cave Conservatory board, doesn't expect objections from organized caving groups: “For a period of a year, most people can deal with that." (Read more)
The fungus affects hibernating bats, and appears as a white powder covering the face and wings, hence the name. Twenty states already went under an emergency protection order last week, and 13 states in the South are expected to be closed this month. The closings could last for a year. Peter Haberland, a member of the Northeastern Cave Conservatory board, doesn't expect objections from organized caving groups: “For a period of a year, most people can deal with that." (Read more)
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