Watershed Post: Bat plague in 32 NY caves
Bat skull and remains in a site affected by White-Nose Syndrome.
Photo by Ann Froschauer for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The bad news about bats just keeps getting worse. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced today that 32 caves and mines throughout the state have been infected by the deadly White-Nose Syndrome, a fungus that has slaughtered bats across the country. From the press release:
"Caves and mines that avoided infection in the early years of the disease, perhaps by chance, are now infected," said Acting DEC Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. "This year's survey included hibernation sites that had not been visited by DEC in decades. What we found was disturbing. We now have sampled sites that represent the full range of environmental conditions across the state – and none have been spared. It is likely the sites not yet inspected are infected as well."
Follow these links to learn more about White-Nose Syndrome:
"Caves and mines that avoided infection in the early years of the disease, perhaps by chance, are now infected," said Acting DEC Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. "This year's survey included hibernation sites that had not been visited by DEC in decades. What we found was disturbing. We now have sampled sites that represent the full range of environmental conditions across the state – and none have been spared. It is likely the sites not yet inspected are infected as well."
Follow these links to learn more about White-Nose Syndrome:
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 11/27/2010 7:00 AM 
Categories: Bats
Tags: white nose syndrome bats caves nydec
Categories: Bats
Tags: white nose syndrome bats caves nydec
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