I just saw this on Indiana's DNR page so I thought I would share it.
"White-nosed Syndrome has killed more than a half million bats in states from Vermont to West Virginia and has had mortality rates in excess of 90 percent in some bat hibernacula.
Although not proved conclusively, it appears this fungus can be transported from cave to cave on the boots and clothing of recreational cavers."
As a result, Indiana has closed all cave, sink holes and mine shafts on DNR property until the end of the month.
Bats are hugely beneficial mammals. A typical gray bat can consume 3000 insects in a single feeding!! That's pretty amazing. All the old wive's tales of flying into your hair or that they carry rabies are just that; wive's tales. Bats are no more susceptible to rabies than a dog or cat. left alone, they can attain an age of 5-10 years old. That's a LOT of insects folks.



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