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-Nose Syndrome, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has closed public access to caves, sinkholes, tunnels and abandoned mines on DNR-owned land until further notice.
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-Nose 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.
Status of White-Nose Syndrome
Updates on white-nose syndrome - US Fish and Wildlife Service website
For more information bats in Indiana and on White-Nose Syndrome, click on any of these links:
Photo by Al Hicks, New York Dept. of Environmental
Conservation
- Bat tests positive for white-nose fungus 2-1-11
- Reporting of Dead/Sick Bats in Indiana
- Bats in Indiana
- FAQs on White-Nose Syndrome
- Map showing White-Nose Syndrome spread
- Map showing bat hibernacula densities
- More information, including links to videos
or
Bat White-Nose Syndrome: An Emerging Fungal Pathogen?
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