Residents warned about affected bats
Toolbox
Published: February 16, 2009
WATERBURY – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resource's Fish & Wildlife Department recently issued a reminder to residents who live near caves and mines to expect unusual levels of bat activity as a result of the White Nose Syndrome that is afflicting hibernating bats.
Reports of sick bats have been coming in most recently from Norwich, Thetford and Strafford, near the Elizabeth Mine, where thousands of bats hibernate each winter.
Some people are finding dead bats on their porches or screen windows, some have bats entering their homes and some are seeing bats flying during the day.
"One of the symptoms of White Nose Syndrome is that bats are extremely emaciated, and many are awakening early and flying out of the cave in search of food," said State Wildlife Biologist Scott Darling.
White Nose Syndrome appears to have spread through much of the bat population that hibernates in the Elizabeth Mine.
The syndrome is named after the fungus that can appear on a bat's muzzle but scientists don't know if the fungus is killing bats or merely a symptom of the syndrome.
Vermonters are asked to report dead or dying bats and bats flying during the day. Reports can be made on the Web at www.vtfishandwildlife.com by clicking on the "Sick-acting Bat Citizen Report Form" or by calling 786-0055.
People should avoid touching the bats except with gloves or tools.
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