They face the cold
with limited defenses
masked in a white powder
not able to keep their bodies warm
they awaken before the spring time call.
Enveloped in a spreading death
they fight to continue their genealogical purpose
of taking insects on the fly.
A million are gone
White-Nose Syndrome
taking bats to heaven
before their time.
*****
The deadly White-Nose Syndrome is affecting bats throughout the country. First spotted in 2006 the initial cases were found in New York state. The syndrome, which is characterized by its white appearance, is a fungus that grows on the faces and wings of bats.
Once a bat has is infected they normally do not hibernate through the entire winter. This means they use up energy reserves too soon before they are able to hunt and find warm-weather prey. Bats either starve or freeze to death due to this fungus.
Scientists do not know how to stop this disease yet. Closing off caves to inhibit human traffic helps to contain the spread of the disease. If you see a cave with no entry signs, they should be respected as it is believed that bats easily transmit the disease to each other.
Learn about you areas restrictions regarding caves and other vulnerable areas. Keep the bats alive. They are greatly needed to curb an excess of mosquitos and other pesky insects.
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Photo courtesy of freephotos.se
