[reposted from the VAR list-serv, by David Riggs]
WV Metro News published a 5-minute audio interview with Craig Stihler, wildlife biologist with the WV DNR, on the topic of
White-Nose Syndrome in West Virginia. Unlike many shoddy media reports, this is all first-hand from Craig himself. He points out the
"silver cloud lining" that our endangered Virginia Big-Eared bats seem completely unaffected by WNS, and cavers will be glad to hear that he
doesn't point any fingers at us for its introduction or spread. He also states that he feels the biggest priority now is to avoid
stressing the imperiled remaining bat populations in the hope that they can make a long-term recovery.
Article "Hope Fading for WV's Bats":
http://wvmetronews.com/outdoors.cfm?fun ... ryid=51183
Direct audio link:
http://mediaserver.citynet.net/metronews/Stihler-1.wma