Mystery illness killing bats in the US
Dying bat populations have a serious impact on farmers
Scientists are struggling to get to grips with a new plague which is sweeping north-west America's bat population.
Thousands of the creatures have so far succumbed to the mysterious White Nose Syndrome, which has been affecting the animals for around three years.
The condition appears to be a fungal disease that spreads in hibernacula during the winter when large numbers of bats concentrate in caves. However, it is as yet unclear whether the fungus is the cause or effect of the disease.
A declining bat population has massive implications for farmers in the US, as the creatures are responsible for eating around 2,000 insects each per day. Without the bats, insect numbers will rise rapidly, leading to greater pesticide use which will in turn have an impact on water quality as it makes its way to local streams.
In order to learn more about the disease, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to report any sightings of winter-flying or dead bats.
"If you're outside this winter and observe bats, we really need to hear from you," said Lisa Williams, Game Commission biologist.
"While an occasional dead or disoriented bat is not unheard of in winter, we need residents to let us know if they find multiple bats outside of buildings this winter. White Nose Syndrome causes bats to fly out of their winter shelters and die on the landscape."
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- Watch: why bats are dying from White-Nose Syndrome
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- The latest news on White-Nose Syndrome
Any sightings can help the commission identify new "die-offs", meaning they can conduct a sight investigation.
Similarly, in Delaware, environmental officials are monitoring the state's bat populations for any occurrence of the illness and asking local residents to get in touch with any information.
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