Sunday, August 11, 2013

Bat Populations Cause For Concern In N.S.

The number of bats in Nova Scotia is catching the attention of the province. The government is looking to the public to help track the health of Nova Scotia's bat populations. A fatal infection known as white-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in northeastern North America in just a few years. The syndrome causes bats to wake frequently during winter hibernation and with limited food sources available, they can die from starvation and hypothermia. The province has partnered with the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Queens County to create two tools for the public to report bat sightings; a telephone hotline and an online reporting form. The public can report sightings of bats, including summer bat roosts and over-winter sites, by calling 1-866-727-3447 (toll-free) or by going online here .