In my original post about Dunbar Cave State Park, I mentioned that the caves we had ventured to see, were closed, and closed indefinitely. I wanted to take the time to explain the reason behind the closing of the beautiful park's intricate cave system. The culprit is White Nose Syndrome, and this epidemic, I'm finding, is more than a debilitating nightmare for all bat species affected by it.
The hibernating bat populations that thrived in this particular cave have shown signs of a fatal disease called "White Nose Syndrome". The syndrome's name is derived because of a whitening affect that is visible around the mouth, ears, and on the wings of the infected bats. White Nose Syndrome, or WNS, is caused by a fungus thought to have been brought over from Europe by early settlers; scientists trust this lead because the same fungus is found in regions of Europe, and somehow, their hibernating bats have evolved to overcome the syndrome and showcase their immunity.
This fungus invades and ingests that bats' fat reserves and cripples their wings, leaving them unable to fly, which results in starvation. Unfortunately, since 2006, this syndrome has had an explosive outbreak across the central and northeastern parts of the United States, as well as some portions of Canada. This epidemic, according to all resources I've researched, is named the worst wildlife disease outbreak in the history of North America. Since Wildlife Preservation Specialists and Scientists don't have a cure and are only in the early stages of developing a treatment, hibernating bat populations have decreased in the eastern United States by almost 80% with a loss of 6.7 million bats and counting. The mortality rate is so high because where one bat is found to contract the disease and bring it back to it's hibernating roost, 70-90% of the bats will contract it as well. Some caves have reported a higher mortality rate with whole colonies disappearing.
Studies have shown that WNS only affects the hibernating species, which make up half of the forty five species known. Pollinating bats and those that migrate long distances don't seem to be affected, but can play a vital role in the spreading of the fungus. In an effort to slow this rapidly spreading epidemic, caves all across the nation are closing down. Since the fungus can be easily carried and transferred by people exploring cave to cave, it's at least one variable that can be controlled in this situation. While other caves remain open in some areas of the infected states (Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia) many caves that are closed have either contracted the syndrome, or aren't taking the chance.
In conjunction with the tragedy of losing millions of bats, the United States may see a decent decline in crops. That's because bats are nature's built-in pest control for all bugs and insects, including large locusts that are known to heavily destroy crops in an abundance.
So while it was a disappointment to be unable to go through the underground tunnel of mazes, and possibly spot a blind-yet-furry friend, the environmentalist side of me felt guilty once I uncovered the truth behind the closing. So, I did some more research to see if there was a fund where I might be able to donate, and promote to others who want to help in this cause. I found a website that is dedicated to just that. The direct link for donating purposes can be found here: https://www.supportbats.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298
I encourage anyone who is passionate about the environment, and especially about this case, in particular, to donate in hopes of bringing scientists closer to a treatment, and closer to a cure.
Until next time, happy venturing!
-Your Visionary Voyager
(Resources and references found here: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/bat_crisis_white-nose_syndrome/Q_and_A.html & http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/)
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