WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species because of white-nose syndrome.
The fungal disease has killed millions of bats in the Eastern U.S. and Canada. It interrupts hibernation, causing the bats to starve or dehydrate. In Michigan white-nose syndrome has been confirmed in Dickinson, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Ontonagon, Marquette, Clare, Manistee, and Alpena counties.
The Department of Natural Resources is applauding the listing decision. The DNR says it will allow for conservation efforts while continuing normal forest management activities and right-of-way maintenance.
The Fish and Wildlife Service says the bat does not yet meet the criteria for an endangered species.
