Uh-oh!
The Center for Biological Diversity is warning of a deadly disease spreading throughout bat populations in eastern United States called white-nose syndrome.
The disease — which leaves a telltale white fungus around the muzzles of the bats it kills — has already wiped out more than a million bats in the eastern U.S. in 15 states, but environmentalists fear it could easily spread west.
The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the government for an emergency closure of all caves and abandoned mines on federal land in the lower 48 states in order to prevent the spread of the disease by human travelers via contaminated gear and clothing.
Biologists agree that the previously unknown fungus that causes the disease was likely brought to North America by people who visited European caves, then came back to the states.
Those pleading for the federal government to take action against this epidemic fear the very balance of nature is at risk.
The disease could drive bat species, who keep insect populations in check, to extinction resulting in serious repercussions for agriculture, forestry, and human health!
So scary!
We hope the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, our country’s leading wildlife agency, steps up to stop the spread of this terrible disease!
[Image via AP Images.]
