If access to caves and mines could have such dire consequences to bats, why does the Forest Service permit biologists to go inside?
Biologists and research scientists access certain caves and mines to assess bat population numbers, check for the presence of bats with bands, and collect soil samples and hibernaculum microclimate variables. Sometimes they need to go inside to install or maintain bat-friendly gates. Since WNS came on the scene, biologists have significantly curtailed their visits into caves and mines and only go inside when it is necessary to gather information pertaining to critical population census assessments or WNS surveillence. Often times their visits to caves and mines are restricted to entrance surveys to look for signs of WNS, such as dead or dying bats near the entrance, or the presence of bats exhibiting abnormal behaviors (e.g., flying around in mid-winter). Biologists follow the USFWS decontamination protocols based on specific research to ensure their clothing or gear is not a carrier of WNS fungal spores. They do this not only when going inside the cave or mine, but also follow specifi
