Fish and Wildlife Service has asked cavers to observe...

[Ernie Coffman]

Fish and Wildlife Services have asked cavers to observe all existing seasonal cave closures at known Indiana bat hibernacula, and when possible, to avoid caves or passages of caves containing large hibernating populations of any bat species.

While caving, anyone who observes a hibernating bat with a white muzzle or other odd white, fungus-like patches should follow the guidelines below.

* Do not touch any bats (living or dead), especially those with a white muzzle/nose.

* If you have a camera with you, please take a few photographs of the potentially affected bat(s).

* Exit the cave immediately, avoiding contact with other bats, and please do not enter any other caves prior to reporting your potential WNS observations to your state fish and wildlife agency or your nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office.

* Anyone who observes any unusual numbers of bats outside during cold weather, especially near a cave or mine where bats hibernate, is asked to report those observations as well. An increased number of bats flying outside and increased reports of dead bats in the vicinity of hibernacula have been observed in affected areas in the Northeast.
And, for the entire story, read http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/1508825.html

[ek]

Perhaps this post should be moved into the WNS subforum.

[NZcaver]

Perhaps this post should be moved into the WNS subforum.

Done!