About 600,000 bats killed by wind turbines in 2012, study shows

[dbackjon]

In the process of creating sustainable energy, wind turbines across the United States are also taking a toll on a species that is vital to our ecosystem: bats.


More than 600,000 bats fell victim to the turbines in 2012, according to a new study. The turbines spin at up to 179 miles per hour, rising hundreds of feet into the air.


While many Americans consider bats to be pesky or scary, they serve a vital ecological role. They eat a tremendous number of flying insects and they help pollinate crops, such as peaches and avocados.


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57611768/about-600000-bats-killed-by-wind-turbines-in-2012-study-shows/

[immoderate]

1. I feel bad for those bats and their orphaned children but...

I don't think that's a significant chunk of the bat population. I think there are single caves that have more bats than that.

--imm

[Scuba]

2. Did the report say how many are killed by cars? Pollution from fossil fuels?

That's not a lot of bats.

[dbackjon]

4. Actually it can be significant

Especially since they were conservative with their numbers - total is liking much higher.



It is a problem that must be addressed - trying to be dismissive does no one any good.

[CFLDem]

3. Between this and the fungus

it's tough times to be a bat.