3. A) Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis
myotis) with white fungal growth
around its muzzle, ears, and wing
membranes.
B) Scanning electron micrograph of a
bat hair colonized by Geomyces
destructans.
Scale bar = 10 μm.
4. How does WNS kill bats?
1) a white fungus that grows on the nose, ears and wing membranes
2) depleted fat reserves due to increased winter arousals long before bats
normally arouse from hibernation in the spring
3) a compromised immune response during hibernation
4) damage or scarring of the wings
5) abnormal bat behavior
8. Why is it so important for us?
Bats are a vital part of our ecosystem. A single bat can eat up to
600 insects a night. A decrease in the bat population eliminates
a natural pesticide for the insect population. In addition to
causing human discomfort, more insects also puts certain crops
and agricultural goods at risk.
We should care about why the
bats are dying...
