Over 15,000 bat carcasses have been found just outside of Albany these past years. (Hicks.Tape xx) The findings were not conclusive to the mystery of what has been killing these flying mammals in record numbers. What we do know is this. White Nose Syndrome is a fungus causing a white ring around infected bats snouts. It usually contaminates one bat that brings the infection back to the bat roost infecting the entire pack. During the hybernation period, bats infected with the fungus lose enormous amounts of body fat not allowing them to hybernate properly causing them to leave their resting areas foraging for more food. This usually takes place in the winter months adding a low resistance towards other diseases and infections. Bats usually die off within days struggling to get back to their hybernation areas. The fungus forces the bats to come out during the day time similar to seeing a racoon wandering around during the day as a sign that it has been infected with rabies. Scientists have no conclusive evidence to determine what actually causes White Nose Syndrome but there are clues indicating that man's integration with the bats along with some kind of chemical pesticide may hold the secret to it's causes.
We hope The Benefit for Caves awakens people to the plight of bats and thanks you in advance for your support through this concert.
