MEDFORD, Ore. — Wildlife officials in Oregon say they are keeping a close eye on bats this spring after reports of a deadly fungal strain in Washington.
The Mail Tribune reports that Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists say Oregon bats could be at increased risk of white-nose syndrome. The disease has killed 6 million bats in North American since it was discovered a decade ago.
The department is asking officials and the general public to report sick or dead bats on its website.
The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed three weeks ago that a dead bat found near Seattle had white-nose syndrome. But Oregon wildlife managers say they need more information to determine how much of a threat the disease poses the state’s 16 bat species.
