DEC says: Avoid caves to protect bats

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation urges outdoor adventurers to suspend exploration of cave and mine sites that may serve as homes for bat hibernations. Human disturbances are harmful to bats since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than 90 percent of bats at most hibernation sites in New York.

“Research generated by DEC’s Wildlife Diversity staff and our partners demonstrates that white-nose syndrome makes bats highly susceptible to disturbances,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos in a release from the department. “Even a single, seemingly quiet visit can kill bats that would otherwise survive the winter.  If you see hibernating bats, assume you are doing harm and leave immediately.”

All posted notices restricting the use of caves and mines should be followed. If New Yorkers or visitors to the state encounter hibernating bats while underground, they are asked to leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible.

Experts believe that, when bats are disturbed during hibernation periods, it forces them to raise their body temperatures, which depletes their fat reserves. This affects bats’ energy levels and places the bats in a compromised state, which can lead to death.

There are two species of bats currently protected under federal and state endangered-species law. The Indiana bat, which is sparsely distributed across New York, is a federally threatened bat that was listed before white-nose syndrome began hurting bat populations.

The northern long-eared bat is protected as a threatened species under both federal and New York State endangered-species law. The current population for this formerly common bat is approximately 1 percent of its previous size, making it the species most severely impacted by white-nose syndrome. Nonetheless, northern long-eared bats are still widely distributed in New York. Their presence is documented in most of the 100 or so caves and mines that serve as bat hibernation sites in the state.

Anyone entering a northern long-eared bat hibernation site from Oct. 1 through April 30, the typical period of hibernation for bats, may be subject to prosecution.

There is currently no treatment for addressing the impact of white-nose syndrome on bats, but the DEC remains committed to finding a cure, the release says. By cutting trees during the winter, direct impacts to roosting bats can be avoided. The DEC also encourages homeowners with bats in their attics or barns to explore non-lethal means of removing them from the structure.

More Community news

  • Seven Girl Scouts from Guilderland’s Troop 1760 trekked to the nation’s capital where they toured the White House; spoke with Congressman Paul Tonko; and observed the House of Representatives and the Senate in session where they saw both their congressman, Tonko, and senator, Chuck Schumer, cast votes.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.