U.S. Bats Need Our Help!

Today I received a devastating email from Bat Conservation International’s Executive Director, Nina Fascione, saying that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has now raised the U.S. bat death toll from White-nose Syndrome to between 5.7 and 6.7 million bats. Previous estimates were at 1 million bats. This is the email I received:

“Dear BCI Members and friends.

I’m writing today with tragic news about White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the disease that has been decimating North American bat populations for the past six years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that White-nose Syndrome has now killed more than 5.7 million bats. The new estimate, which some biologist believe might be conservative, ranges up to 6.7 million.

Given the many heart-wrenching photos of dead bats covering the frozen floors of caves, we suspected the number of fatalities would be high.  But it is still disheartening to have our worst fears confirmed. We hope this news will help the public and federal officials understand the vast scope of this wildlife crisis and the urgent need for funding.

If WNS continues to take such a huge toll, the environmental and economic costs will be enormous.

BCI continues to lead efforts to combat this disease.

You can help by donating to BCI’s White-nose Syndrome program and other conservation efforts.  Your gift will help make sure bats are around for future generations.

Warm Wishes,                                  
Nina Fascione
Executive Director
Bat Conservation International”

I was so horrified to read this news, and while it is extremely disheartening, it also provides great motivation to learn more about bats and WNS and get involved with bat conservation.

 

The fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome (Geomyces destructans) irritates the bats’ skin and causes them to wake up during hibernation, which depletes their fat reserves that get them through the winter. The affected bats often fly outside their cave during the day in the middle of winter. They often freeze or starve to death.

Another bat covered with the fungus.

The floor of this cave is littered with bat carcasses. The bats died from WNS.

The following links provide more information about the current WNS crisis and the fungus/disease itself:

Press Release, Center for Biological Diversity: “Scientists Estimate Up to 6.7 Million Bats Dead From Fast-spreading Disease” 

Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) webpage about White-nose Syndrome 

Want to help support bats and bat conservation? Here are some easy ways to get involved:

1. Join Bat Conservation International! Student, Senior, and Educator memberships are $30/year, while the Basic membership is $35/year. All members receive the BATS Magazine, a quarterly publication on bat research, bats in the news, etc. The money goes to support the organization and bat research and conservation. Definitely worth the money!   Become a member now.
2. Make a donation to BCI to help bats.  Donate now!
3. Contact your state Representatives and Congressmen and women and urge them to support funding for White-nose Syndrome research. BCI’s Contact Congress/Representatives Form: Support Funding to Stop White-nose Syndrome
4. Join the cause on Facebook. Join now. 

I hope you will take the time to show your support for bats, even if that just means donating $5 to BCI or joining BCI’s cause on Facebook, or even just spreading the word to your friends. All actions are important as we strive to keep bats an important and amazing part of our world.