The DNR informed us today that they have found the fungus responsible for white nose syndrome in two bat caves in Minnesota - Tower Soudan Mine in northern Minnesota and Forestville in the south. This is bad -very bad.
Hibernating bats have a body temperature around 40F. They make wake up a few times during the hibernation period, but this takes a great deal of energy. Why white nose syndrome is so bad is that it affects bats during their hibernation. The fungus grows best at - that's right - 40F. And bats infected with the fungus wake up frequently. This drains the energy and fat reserves the bats have and causes them to weaken until they die. Research has shown that a bat infected with white nose syndrome will not survive. 100% certain death.
What can we do? Well, first of all, don't go from bat cave to bat cave. You might transfer the fungus. You can also provide financial support to organizations researching this problem. Keep you fingers crossed and shoes clean.
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