Despite a somewhat rosy outlookin the eastern United States, white nose syndrome shows no signs of letting up in Kentucky bats.
Murray State University wildlife specialist Terry Derting says the deadly disease is a type of fungus that upsets hibernation periods. Federal data shows WNS has killed over 5.7 million bats and carries a 90 to 100 percent mortality rate.
In Kentucky, it’s popped up in locations including Trigg County and the tunnels at Mammoth Cave.
Derting says while the exact numbers aren’t clear, this is the first year since 2006 that she’s seen state bat populations take a hit.
“Right now, we’re just trying to figure out what percent of the populations are left," Derting said.
"Is there anything left after white nose goes through?”
Derting says she’s heard of new bacteria that can potentially stop the fungus from growing, but there could be side effects if used with entire colonies.
Over the last few years, millions in federal grants have been given out for WNS research.
