by ALYSSA BOYER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter

Over the past three years, over 400,000 bats in the northeast have died of a disease that neither has an identifiable cause nor immediate cure.

This disease, known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS), was first discovered in New York in February 2006 and has since spread to eight other states.

While the infection has not yet been confirmed in North Carolina, recent discoveries of WNS in southern Virginia have led to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s call for a voluntary moratorium on all caving activities.

Consequently, all Appalachian State University caving trips are suspended until further notice.

“Since we have so much biological diversity at risk, everything is closed until we find out some answers,” Wayne R. Van Devender of the biology department said.

Infected bats grow a white fungus near their muzzles and it is unknown whether the fungus itself is killing the bats or if it is a symptom of a more complex problem.

The disease causes hibernating bats to burn fat more quickly, causing them starve to death before spring comes and they are not able to procure nourishment.

“It spreads so quickly and in caves where the bats have become infected with this fungus it’s killing up to 90, 95 percent of the bat population,” Andrew Miller, coordinator of land-based programs and the climbing wall for Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs said.

Scientists can only hypothesize as to the full effects of what they are calling an “ecological disaster,” according to caves.org.

Not only do bats play a huge role in controlling the insect population, but they bring vital nutrients back to other cave-dwelling creatures.

The means of transmission of WNS is unclear, although most evidence points to human activity as the culprit.

Fungal spores easily attach to skin, hair, clothing and equipment, and cases of WNS have been discovered more often in areas of recreational caving than in caves inaccessible to the public.

Until further research is conducted, public land managers can strive only to contain WNS. They fear attempts to kill the fungus will destroy other important life forms within the caves.

Observing the moratorium sends out an important message regarding Appalachian’s commitment to preserving the environment, Associate Director of Outdoor Programs Rich H. Campbell said.

“It underscores the fact that we really do try to protect the resources that we’re fortunate to be able to utilize,” Campbell said. “It’s really important for us not to be [in the caves] until land managers figure out what’s going on.”

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