Northern Michigan bats face the possibility of catching a deathly disease called White Nose Syndrome (WNS).
In the October 2012 issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine, we featured an article by Suzanne Van Dam called "On a Wing (and a Prayer)" (click here to read this article) covering this devastating disease that is demolishing tremendous numbers of bats at an alarming rate. Van Dam discusses the causes, effects and prevention of this peculiar syndrome that is bringing bats close to distinction in some areas.
So far Michigan is under the radar, and there haven't been any symptoms spotted in our bats. While this is good news, it means no more than ever is the time to find out how to protect them. Check out the informational websites below for more information:
whitenosesyndrome.org/resources/map
michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10371_10402-257998–,00.html
nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/
esri.com/news/arcwatch/0909/feature.html
thedailygreen.com/