Biologists continue to see bat disease impact
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Times Argus Staff - Published: September 25, 2009
WATERBURY (AP) — Biologists with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife say they're continuing to see how devastated the bat population has been by what is being called white nose syndrome.
Earlier this month biologists visited the Elizabeth Mine in Strafford, once considered the second largest bat cave in New England.
Biologist Scott Darling says the mine has lost nearly its entire bat population.
As recently as 2006, more than 950 bats were captured by biologists during a 3-hour survey.
Two weeks ago, only one bat was captured.
Scientists estimate the disease has killed as much as 95 percent of hibernating bat populations in parts of Vermont. The disease has spread throughout the Northeast.
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