Poll: Could WNS kill caving in North America?
Photo by Jonathan Mays/Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Since its discovery in New York state in 2006, white-nose syndrome has caused the deaths of millions of North American bats. As a measure to protect the bats, caves, in some cases nowhere near the outbreak, have been closed to cavers.
While there is little evidence that this has helped the bats, there is no doubt that this has hurt caving. Given the long period of time that so many of these caves could be closed, and the extra effort needed to go in the ones that remain open, do you feel that WNS could effectively kill caving in North America for the foreseeable future?
cave recreation is not an “essential” activity, and for the time being, this pursuit must be laid aside in order to give bats a chance at survival. For those whom caving is a treasured activity this sacrifice is significant, and yet, for bats, WNS is a matter of life and death. Mollie Matteson, Center for Biological Diversity
Lets hear your thoughts and feedback.
Could WNS kill caving in North America?
Total Voters: 79
Loading ...Last Week’s Poll Results
Last week’s poll indicated very little interest in National Park Week, with very few people even responding. Of those that did only three took in the festivities.
Thanks to everyone who responded.
Comments (2)
WNS will not kill caving in North America, but organization like CBD will try too.
WNS, Zebra mussels, pine beetles, West Nile virus, killer bees, they’re all coming to get us. We’re screwed no matter what….. or at least that’s what the media hype wants us to believe!
Oh and don’t forget bubonic plaque – the Black Death – good thing they knew about “decontamination procedures” back in the 1300s or we’d all be dead…… right?
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