Miracles Needed! White Nose Syndrome hurting bats in the U.S.

In the past few years, a strange disease has been devastating bats across the Northeastern United States. Dubbed ‘White Nose Syndrome’ for the characteristic finding of a thin white fungus growing on the faces and wing membranes of the bats, this illness causes a high mortality.

Experts are worried, since the disease seems to be spreading and the death rates are so high. In some areas, more than 95% of bats have died. Some endangered bat species, such as the Indiana bat, could get pushed close to extinction if the disease cannot be stopped. No one knows for sure what is causing the disease – if it’s the white fungus or some other germ weakening the bats and allowing the fungus to grow.

Bats are important in the environment. Many bat species eat insects– such as moths and beetles which can damage crops. If large proportions of bats die off, there could be a greater reliance on harmful chemicals and pesticides to protect those crops.

Bats live in a different ‘world’ which might seem strange and frightening to some. Most bat species however are highly social – living in colonies for years. One bat researcher told me some bats can live up to 25 years! Bats make up 20% of all known mammal species, so there’s more of them than you might think. Mother bats usually just have one baby a year, and feed them milk to drink.

Bats don’t attack people or get tangled in someone’s hair. A healthy bat will try to avoid contact with humans if at all possible. A sick bat may have trouble flying and could be found on the ground. Like all wildlife, a bat should be respected and never handled without the proper equipment including durable gloves. A very small percentage of bats (usually 1% or less) might carry rabies. A scratch or a bite from a bat is a reason to see a doctor who would know about bat diseases – such as an Infectious Diseases specialist. The CDC rabies website gives some general advice on ‘What to do’ if a bat is found in your home.

So far experts don’t know exactly what is causing WNS or how to stop it. We’re hoping for some miracles soon to help these small but wonderful creatures.

Jewels of India – Mother Teresa and her sisters

When I arrived in Calcutta it was early June and the monsoon season hadn’t started yet.  That meant the air was thick and hazy blue with humidity on diesel.

 

I looked out the cab window, amazed at the India before me.  Never had I seen so many people – hoards of humanity.  Animals too seemed everywhere – boney cows, scruffy chickens, flea-bitten street dogs, dirty naked children.

 

Rickety cars, scooters, bicycles, push-carts, and other wheeled contraptions weasled through the streets.  In my weakly air conditioned cab, I could take it all in.

I’d be staying here for a month, after thumbing through a book called ‘Volunteer Vacations’ and deciding to work with Mother Teresa’s organization – the Sisters of Charity.  I was attracted by the description in the book – simply ‘show up and begin work’ with address of the Mother House.

 

Many of the other entries for ‘volunteer vacations’ had some sort of application, screening process or skills needed.  I liked Mother Teresa’s approach – simple, direct and no talents required.  She would take anybody who had a desire to help.  Her winning of the Nobel Prize led me to believe this would be an authentic experience.  I didn’t really expect this to be a vacation at all.