White Nose Syndrome In Bat Populations
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White Nose Syndrome is spreading throughout the U.S. with fatalities of bat populations being as high as 100% in bat hibernation colonies.
White Nose Syndrome is devastating bat populations in the Eastern United States. Biologists believe that widespread loss of these bug-eating bats may result in bug population growth that may ultimately effect crops.
White Nose Syndrome was first identified in New York in the winter of 2007-2008. Since then it has spread to eight other states, now affecting six different species of bats. Fatalities can be up to 100% within bat hibernation colonies.
The diseases are spreading toward other states including Kentucky and Tennessee, where some of the world’s largest bat populations reside.
Citations:
Jessica Rae Patton, Emagazine, 2009 United States (Regional)
