Appear in Seattle area: White-nose syndrome threatens bat population

With the emergence of spring, many animals are coming out of winter hibernation. One of those creatures is the only true flying mammal, the bat. While the benign night feeder has intrigued and stirred the imaginations and fears of humans for centuries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a particular reason to keep a closer eye on the bats in Eastern Washington. Not for fear of bats, but for them.

“If white-nose comes and kills colonies, we’ll have issues with bugs,” said Staci Lehmen, communications consultant with WDFW, noting the important role bats play in the ecosystem.

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