Bat Disease
DNR closes caves over bat disease concerns
Photo by Nancy Heaslip, New York Dept. of
Environmental Conservation
In response to growing concern for bat populations in other states that have been affected by White-nosed Syndrome, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has closed public access to caves, sinkholes, tunnels and abandoned mines on DNR-owned land from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
The exception is Twin Caves at Spring Mill State Park.
This action, made in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, is a proactive step to slow or stop the spread of this deadly fungus from moving into Indiana. High population densities of bat species are found in southern Indiana, particularly the federally endangered Indiana bat.
White-nosed Syndrome has killed more than a half million bats in states from Vermont to West Virginia and has had mortality rates in excess of 90 percent in some bat hibernacula.
Although not proved conclusively, it appears this fungus can be transported from cave to cave on the boots and clothing of recreational cavers.
For more information bats in Indiana and on White-nosed Syndrome, click on any of these links:
Photo by Al Hicks, New York Dept. of Environmental
Conservation
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