Bat disease prompts closing of forest caves and mines

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Shawnee National Forest has signed an emergency closure order on all caves and mines in the forest in a measure to protect bats from a disease that can be spread by humans.

Public access to caves or mines known to support bat populations will be prohibited for one year under the order, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Forest Service.

The Forest Service characterizes the move as a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome by humans. At least nine caves or mines will be closed by posting, gating or both.

The restriction is to protect state listed and federally listed endangered, threatened and sensitive bat species.

White-nose syndrome has not been recordeded in Illinois, "but it is rapidly moving in this direction," according to the release.

The closure prohibits entering or damaging the cave or mine, causing or maintaining a campfire within 200 feet of the entrance to the cave or mine and the free movement of any animal into or out of the cave or mine.

White-Nose syndrome is a disease or symptom of a disease that kills native bats in large numbers. It causes a white fungus that usually appears on the nose and sometimes the wings, ears and tail. The fungus does not always appear, but affected bats may display abnormal behaviors such as flying outside during the day and winter. Dead or dying bats could be found dying or dead on the ground or on buildings, trees or other structures.

The Forest Service asks those who would like more information about white-nose syndrome to contact Steve Widowski at (618) 253-7114.