ight.We've never had an insect "problem". Even through the wettest, steamiest summers we rarely have to use insect repellent, and I've always believed it's because we have such a healthy bat population in our woods. Indeed, bats provide a very beneficial and free insect extermination service.
I'm afraid that's all about to change. I recently learned about a mysterious ailment afflicting entire bat populations throughout the Northeastern U.S. It's officially known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS), named for the strange white fungus that is found growing around the nose of the dead bats. Entire bat colonies - hundreds of animals - have been found dead and the cause is still unknown.
The syndrome was only just discovered in 2007 and this malady has already decimated dozens of colonies throughout New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and most recently West Virginia. At the rate it's spreading (which is very, very fast), White Nose Syndrome could reach our bat populations in Ohio before the end of this year! Research is being done, but the explanations and solutions aren't coming fast enough. It is possible that many - perhaps all - bat species could go extinct in a matter of years, even before we have a chance to figure out why. I can't imagine what our woods would be like without our bats, not to mention the impact such a loss would have on our neighbors' crops and agriculture.
Not one to sit idly by when presented with a crisis, I'm spreading the word and donating money for research. Bat Conservation International will accept designated WNS donations and they seem to be the best bat conservation organization out there. If you'd like more information about White Nose Syndrome, click here.
(By the way, I can't take credit for the photo. I found it on flickr and it's by Norm Walsh.)
