White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Information

There is a lot of information about WNS on the internet and the media, but most of it is inaccurate and false. WNS Informational poster White Nose Syndrome Link
Below is an FAQ about WNS that should help clean up inaccuracies.

FAQ

Question:  Do cavers spread WNS from one cave to another?
Answer:  NO.  There is zero proof that  cavers spread WNS from cave to cave.

Question:  How does the disease get spread?
Answer:  The disease is spread by bat to bat contact.

Question:  If humans do not spread the disease, how do you explain its spread across North America.
Answer:  Bats migrate and they like to hitch hike.  Bats have been found in planes, and shipping containers that travel the planet.

Question:  Isn't there a chance that cavers can spread the disease?
Answer:  Yes, there is a very very very  slim possiblity.  In additon to the chance of a caver spreading WNS, the following are also technically possible:  The little pudgy leader of North Korea will embrace democracy and human rights, a meteor will take out the corporate headquarters of Ben and Jerrys, you will win the lottery, you will win the lottery a second time, the moon landing was a hoax, the occupation of blacksmithing will return, and the sun will go super nova today (See footnote).

Question:  What can be done to save the bats?
Answer:  Sadly, not much.  Bats are not high on the priority list of most Americans.

Question:  What is the deal with decontamination?
Answer:  Its voluntary.  Its an extra precaution. It may or may not do anything.  It is the politically correct thing to talk about.

Question: With all level of the government closing caves, what are the ramifications?
Answer: One of the most significant ramifications is that various government agencies have alienated a support base of citizens that once feverishly supported them.

Question: Can I go in a cave on private land?
Answer:  Yes!  Thankfully the government has no control over caves on private property.

Question:  Why does the media keep reporting that WNS is spread by people.
Answer:  No idea.  This site is one of the media sites that has it wrong, even though they have been contacted, repeatedly.

Question:  If I go in a cave on private property, will I kill all the bats and be labeled a horrible person?
Answer:  No. The worst thing that can happen if you go in a cave is that you will have a fun time.

Question:  Can I contact my various levels of government regarding WNS?
Answer:  Yes, please do.

Question;  I want to help bats.  How can I help?
Answer:  Please donate to the NSS WNS fund

Question:  Can WNS be summed up in one sentence?
Answer:  White Nose Syndrome or WNS is a bat to bat transmitted fungus, which is not is fully understood, that infects hibernating bats often contributing to their deaths.

 

footnote - If the Sun when supernova while you were reading this, you have about 3 minutes left - enjoy!