A mysterious disease that devastated bats in the Northeast is now turning Virginia caves into similar killing chambers, wiping out 89 to 99 percent of some populations.
The grim figures, previously unreleased, come from a survey of 21 Virginia bat caves that scientists conducted from January to mid-March.
Scientists once hoped the disease, caused by a cold-loving fungus, might be less deadly as it moves south. In Virginia, at least, that’s not happening.
“We don’t see the disease really slowing down,” said Ann Froschauer, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The disease is called white-nose syndrome. It is caused by a powdery white fungus that often coats the muzzles of its victims.
Everything about this disease is so awful and devastating. :(
