This week the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service granted more than $950 thousand to 30 states with bats affected by a fungal disease called ‘white-nose syndrome.’ New Hampshire received more than $14 thousand.
State Fish and Game wildlife biologist Emily Brunkhurst says white-nose has severely impacted local bats.
In a couple of species we are seeing 99 percent declines.
State Fish and Game officials will use the grant to monitor bat populations and raise public support.
Bats are such a critical part to our environment and yet so many people just don’t know anything about them or understand them.
Brunkhurst says the public can help by allowing existing bat colonies to stay put—even if the colony may be a little close for comfort.
If it’s in your barn, and it’s a problem with droppings, well, figure out a way to put up a ceiling. In fact, if you put up a ceiling that’s a tarp, and you can bring it back down, that guano makes great fertilizer for your garden.
If a colony must be kept out, Brunkhurst says to wait until after August 15 when bat pups have had a chance to mature.
