White-nose syndrome ravages North America bat numbers

[n2doc]

At least 5.7 million bats across 16 US states and Canada have died from White-nose syndrome, scientists studying the fungal ailment say.

The disease was first detected in a cave in New York state in 2006.

Previously, the US Fish and Wildlife Service closed caves and mines in an effort to hamper the spread of the disease.

Officials say bats provide value to the US economy as natural pest control in farms.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16605016

[mattvermont]

1. It has leveled off here

I saw one of the early bats infected in Vermont around mid 2006 in a small cave here. I used to have round 2-300 living in my attic every summer. Within 2-3 years, there were none. However, this year there were some back again here, as well as in the area. I think a genetic bottleneck has been surpassed and there is resistance, at least in this area. I suspect local populations further west are still collapsing.

[NMDemDist2]

2. i hope you're correct

bats are so cool and very good for the environment