It is well known that white-nose syndrome is responsible for the deaths of over a million bats in the northeastern U.S. The opportunity of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public comment period will allow concerned citizens to have their voices heard and put on record. This public comment period only lasts until December 26th so please act quickly and spread the word.

This action is in support of a FWS white-nose syndrome plan that will be effective in eradicating WNS through research, monitoring and conservation. With an imminent threat of extinction, many bat species count on the collaborative efforts of agencies and scientists for survival. Meaningful action needs to be taken to conserve these bat species while continuing to research and monitor white-nose syndrome in all affected species.

Bats play a vital role in ecosystem health. They control insect populations, thereby minimizing the need for harmful pesticides. They aid in seed dispersal and pollination, allowing a number of plants to thrive.

Considerable effort has been taken to eliminate misunderstandings about these unique flying mammals. The UN Convention on Migratory Species has even declared 2011 as the Year of the Bat.

The risk of white-nose syndrome expanding further west is a reality that cannot be ignored. I urge you to ask FWS to take swift and meaningful action to finalize the national plan to manage white-nose syndrome.

Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast