Fish & Wildlife warns of sick bats
Toolbox
By PATRICK McARDLE Herald Staff - Published: January 8, 2009
DORSET — The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is warning resident that bats may be seen during the day and acting unusually over the next few weeks, as the effects of "white nose syndrome" continue to be felt. However, new reporting tools may help wildlife biologists track the disease.
The exact cause of white nose syndrome has not been determined but bats afflicted with the disease leave their hibernacula to look for food. While the bats seem to present no health risk for human beings or pets, according to state wildlife biologist Scott Darling, white nose syndrome seems to have been killing bats.
The syndrome was affecting bats last winter as well but Darling said it may be causing bats to leave hibernation even earlier this year, possibly because the syndrome had compromised the health of the bat population further.
People who live near bat habitats may find dead bats on their porches or screen windows or find bats in their homes. White nose syndrome cause the bat to leave its habitat in search of food but the animal will then look for shelter to get away from the cold temperatures.
White nose syndrome had already been found in bats throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Darling said there was some evidence it had spread to Pennsylvania as well.
In Vermont, bats with white nose syndrome have been found in caves in Dorset, Manchester and Pownal.
"Late last year, it was identified in Strafford (in Orange County)," Darling said, adding it represented a significant leap because it meant the disease had gone up and over a mountain.
In 2007, white nose syndrome killed 8,000 to 11,000 bats in New York, the largest number of disease-related bat deaths ever recorded in North America.
To track the disease's progress, the state is asking that residents report sightings of dead bats, bats that appear to be dying or bats flying during the day by visiting the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Web site at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
Once at the site, residents can click on a photo labeled "Report Sick Acting Bats" to provide information. Sightings can also be reported by phone at 786-0055.
Meanwhile the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., has identified a fungus that only grows in temperatures less than 70 degrees which Darling said appears to be tied to white nose syndrome.
"Whether the fungus is the cause of the syndrome or a symptom remains to be seen," Darling said.
According to Darling, a bat population survey is scheduled to be conducted in about a month which is expected to provide more information about how white nose syndrome has affected the state's bat population.
White nose syndrome may have spread to other areas of the state, Darling said, but it's hard to be certain yet because tracking the disease has lead researchers to find bat populations in areas they weren't even aware were active hibernacula.
Darling reminded people who find dead or dying bats that they should not handle the bats unless necessary and, in those instances, with gloves or tools if possible. Children should also be warned not to touch bats.
Vermont has received money from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct research on the state's bat population.
Contact Patrick McArdle at patrick.mcardle@rutlandherald.com.
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