What is White-nose Syndrome and how can I help?
There is a disease affecting cave bats during hibernation. This disease is caused by a white fungus that appears on the muzzle, face and wings of bats. This fungus disrupts the hibernation of bats and causes them to be aroused when they should be hibernating. Hibernating bats survive the winter on fat reserves. Aroused bats use those fat reserves and starve before spring arrives. Some bats with White-nose Syndrome leave the cave too soon looking for insects to eat. These bats do not find enough food in the winter and starve or die of exposure to the cold temperatures. TWRA wants to know if you see bats flying during the winter months if the temperature is still below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the most common bat species in Tennessee is the Red Bat. Red Bats are cold tolerant species and they do not live in caves. These bats are opportunistic feeders on warmer winter days. We also want to know if you find dead bats outside of caves. TWRA is discouraging people from going into caves.
