In winter 2006-2007, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists began getting calls about bats flying erratically outside their hibernacula during the day. The bats were supposed to remain in the hibernation areas until spring and the insects that sustain them returned. But they were leaving the caves in extreme cold, and some were dying.
   Inside, biologists discovered that clustered, hibernating bats had moved near the entrance instead of farther in, where temperatures are more stable. There were also scores of dead bats, and a strange white substance on the noses of some still alive.
   Since, white-nose syndrome has killed at least 5.7 million to 6.7 million bats, according to the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates. In some instances, entire cave populations have been lost. Species affected include the tri-colored bat (Perymyotis subflavus), little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius), small-footed myotis (Myotis leibii), cave myotis (Myotis velifer),and the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and gray bat (Myotis grisescens). All except the cave myotis are found in Georgia. The small-footed myotis is a state species of concern.

   The cause of WNS is a recently discovered cold-loving fungus, Geomyces destructans. The fungus was likely introduced into a U.S. cave from Europe.
   With the syndrome spreading rapidly, the Fish and Wildlife Service called in March 2009 for a voluntary moratorium on caving and other cave activities in WNS-affected and adjacent states. The service also advised cavers elsewhere to avoid using clothing and gear that had been used in those states. 
   In Georgia, the Wildlife Resources Division has developed a response plan and weighed options for managing access to caves and mines on state lands. Researchers have also limited scientific activities in caves.  “We encourage all cavers and researchers to take this issue very seriously,” said Katrina Morris, a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division.  “WNS hasn’t been found in Georgia yet, but it is likely only a matter of time.”

   Click here for more white-nose syndrome information, including advisories and updates on affected sites.  

   Please e-mail GADNRBats@dnr.state.ga.us:

   State wildlife agencies that are members of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study can submit bats to SCWDS for clinical diagnosis using the form available here.

                                                 

Bat Conservation and Management Inc. provides bat houses, regionwide Indiana bat fieldwork, and professional bat survey equipment. They also provide up to date information about White Nose Syndrome including videos, the latest research and how to avoid the spread of this deadly disease.

Included on the website are two videos taken in or around Tresckow Mine (about 3/4 of the way down the page). Both are good examples of what is happening to these bat colonies as they emerge too soon and then freeze to death.