Bats are valuable assets to humans because of their feeding habits. Nightly they eat up to half of their body weight in insects. In fact, the common brown bat can ingest approximately six hundred mosquitoes for every hour of darkness. In a large group of bats, and over a period of time, this makes the evening hours much safer for people wearing shorts and tank tops!

But researchers are concerned that bat populations are endangered by a recently observed fungus.

In the past few months bats have been dying at an alarming rate. Researchers have termed the illness White Nose Syndrome, so named for the distinctive fungal growth that often rings the nose of the affected bats. The white substance can also be found on the wings of some of these bats.

The first bat to be observed with this fungal growth was identified by someone exploring caves near Albany, New York in the winter of 2006. He noticed a bat with a white muzzle and several dead bats near the cave opening. This was odd as generally bats move farther into the caves in the winter time to hibernate and none should have been near the entrance.

It has since spread to at least twenty five other caves throughout the North East coast, including those in Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts. There is currently concern that it is spreading into parts of Pennsylvania. In fact, it is believed that up to 90% of the bat population has been lost in some areas.

Healthy bats live close to twenty years. Since bats have only one pup per year it could take many years for the populations to build back up once they are compromised. Bats often travel as much as fifty miles in one direction at night. An infected bat could easily contaminate hundreds of other bats.

The fungus belongs to the Fusarium genus, the same fungus that causes Fusarium Wilt in plants.

Researchers believe that the fungus may not be the primary problem. It could be that something else is weakening the bats' immune systems and the fungus is able to infect the weakened bats.

One of the possibilities being investigated is bat flies. These tiny parasites live in the bats hair and feed on its blood, similar to lice in other mammals. Not only could these creatures be causing the compromised immune system in bats but it could also be the cause of the transmission of the disease.

There are other factors that could be causing the problem.

• Loss of stored fat during the winter months

• Disruption in hibernation due to warmer winters

Scientists just don't know at this time.

Cave management organizations have put out a request that cavers be careful not to spread the fungus.

• Clothing and equipment should be disinfected after use.
• Never wear the same clothes into a second cave until they have been disinfected from the first.

• Clothing that has been worn should not be transported without being sealed into a bag so that the fungus is not spread into the trunk of a car, therefore contaminating any items that were put in there later.

Some caves have been closed completely to protect the bats. This is a temporary measure; however there is no word on when the areas will re-open.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Department is urging the developers of certain wind farms in New York to consider relocating the projects. There is concern that healthy bats may be killed by the moving turbines while foraging for food and the population of bats would be further reduced.

Of the three developers affected only Iberdrola Renewables has committed to hold off on its project until more is known about White Nose Syndrome. The others have made no statements about their plans at this time.

So, what should you do if you see a bat that you suspect has the disease?

• Photograph the bat if possible. Get close up shots of the white area as well as shots of the whole carcass.
• Regardless of whether you have been able to photograph the bat contact your state wildlife agency This can be done by emailing WhiteNoseBats@fws.gov.

• Report your observations concisely and clearly, giving as much actual detail as possible.

• Dispose of dead bats only if you must. Use a plastic bag between your hand and the bat, and place the bag and the bat into another plastic bag. Close securely and throw it away with you garbage.

• Wash your hands well. If any clothing came in contact with the bat wash it in hot water with bleach if possible.

Bats are an important part of the eco-system. Without them there will be a dangerous increase in insects. This will not only be an inconvenience, it could be a health hazard. A significant increase in insects could lead to extensive crop damage in the area ultimately impacting the economy in New England especially.

For more information go to the Official Website.