Bellingham WA bat caves trail permanently closed

[NZcaver]

Bat caves on popular trail near Bellingham are closed to hikers, likely permanently

Published: May 25, 2012 THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

The trail to the popular "bat caves" on Blanchard Mountain has been closed indefinitely to protect habitat and the safety of hikers.

Hikers also threaten the health of the bats that roost on the underside of the boulders. They can be exposed to diseases such as the fatal white nose syndrome, department officials said. DNR is patrolling the vicinity of the Talus Trail to inform hikers about the closure. "Education is our priority, not enforcement."

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/05 ... rylink=cpy