Ohio Theatened By White-Nose Syndrome

Scientists for the State of Ohio have confirmed their first case of White-Nose Syndrome, the fungus associated with WNS was found in mine where bats are known to hibernate. The abandoned mine located in the Wayne National Forest in Lawrence Country Ohio, the fungus was confined to just bats that were hibernating.

The fungus associated White-Nose Syndrome grows on the wing membranes, ears and noses of bats as they hibernate during the winter months. It is believed by scientists that the fungus may wake the bats early as the hibernate , causing them to fly out of the warmth’s of their caves into the sub freezing temperatures outside the caves. By doing this the bats use their reserve energy before spring. With the absent of insect and the cold temperatures many bats die by freezing to death, starvation or dehydration.

The state of Ohio along with other states fears with the decline in the bat population do to WNS will cause a agricultural nightmare for farmers. There is a potential that the loose of bats could cost the America farmer $ 3.7 billion in lost crops do to increase in insect predators that bats usually keep in check. A single 3 once bat can consume from 1,000 to 4,500 insect in a single night, multiple that by 1,000 bats or 10′s of thousands bats and you see how important bats are to the farmer or you local area.

As the bat population declines growers will need to turn to manmade pesticides, or have the possibility of suffering large crop lose from insect damage. This could cause a rise in price of farm goods or a shortage of some produce.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/119966089.html