White Nose Syndrome Fungus Persists in Caves Even when Bats are Gone

The fungus that has killed millions of bats in eastern North America since 2006 can survive in the environment for long periods of time, according to new research. This research has important implications for managing WNS and vulnerable bat species by revealing the important role that the environment plays in the disease. The findings suggest that susceptible bats may not be able to effectively re-colonize caves and mines that have been previously contaminated and that the reintroduction of certain bat species to such sites may not be a sound strategy for reestablishing lost populations.

More information can be found at a USGS Science Features blog post at:
http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/wns-fungus-persists-in-caves-even-when-bats-are-gone/