Door Peninsula bat populations are being decimated by a relatively new disease. White-nose syndrome stems from a fungus believed to have originated in Europe. It was discovered in New York State barely ten years ago and can kill 95 percent to 100 percent of bat colonies it afflicts. The disease hurts cave-dwelling bats says DNR Mammal Ecologist Paul White. He explains what happens to bats who come down with the virus.
The drop in the bat population robs farmers of natural pest and insect control. Some estimates peg bats as contributing $1.5 billion in positive economic value to Wisconsin's farm economy.
