Cavechat.org

I did a quick search online, with no luck to the answer. I'm trying to figure out if bats can be afflicted by infestations of Sarcoptic mites (Sarcoptes spp.) A cave we explored today had a number of bats with scabs and alopecia along their backs, and it looked a lot like the mange infections we see on cats and dogs in the veterinary clinic I work in.

Pretty sure they can, or at least something similar. BatAdvoGroup@yahoogroups.com is a mailing list where (mostly) rehabbers hang out. Both "mites" and "mange" have been discussed in the past two years. "Sarcoptic" has not though may have been prior to my subscribing.

I know Grey Fox and Black Bears can get it. I'll check with the rehabbers I know, I hadn't thought about them as a source. I sent a few emails off to conservation groups and the DNR, hopefully someone will have an idea what is up with these bats. Just wish I had gotten a better photo.