In an attempt to protect Indiana bats from the spread of a deadly fungus, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources closed access to all public caves, sinkholes, tunnels and abandoned mines on DNR-owned properties from May 1 through April 30.
Though the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, which is responsible for killing more than a half-million bats from Vermont to West Virginia, has not been found in Indiana caves, the DNR took the proactive step under the consultation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Twin Caves at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, about 30 miles south of Bloomington, is the lone DNR property that will continue to allow cave access.
According to the Indiana Cave Conservation Association, most of Indiana's caves are located on private property in the southern part of the state. While the DNR closure has affected only about one third of the state's caves and pits, private owners are joining in to help prevent the transfer of the fungus, which can be spread by recreational cavers.
“The impact of white-nose syndrome has definitely affected recreational caving, including that on private property,” ICCA president Rob Jarboe said in an e-mail. “Private cave owners have closed a few caves due to white-nose syndrome; however, many remain open as they did prior to WNS.
“Some landowners have taken steps to allow visitors, so long as decontamination procedures outlined by the National Speleological Society and other cave-related groups are followed. This helps prevent the spread of WNS, if indeed it does find its way to Indiana.”
Bruce Silvers, vice chairman of the Northern Indiana Grotto of the NSS in Fort Wayne, said the closures affect many recreational cavers, especially in northern Indiana, because the public-owned properties offer ease of access that most private properties do not.
“Some people will let you go on their (private) property, some people just say flat, ‘No,'” Silvers said. “Others, if you know them, will let certain people on their property, so it's definitely going to affect (recreational caving trips.)”
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, white-nose syndrome was first noticed in 2006 outside Albany, N.Y. Bats appeared to have an “unusual white substance” covering their muzzles. The disease has spread through many northeastern states, and mortality rates for some bat hibernacula are believed to be between 90 and 100 percent.
Numerous laboratories and state and federal biologists have been unable to determine the cause of the bats' deaths, but the U.S. FWS said the recent identification of a “cold-loving fungus” has raised hopes for getting closer to an answer.
Despite the concerns over white-nose syndrome, some caves remain open to recreational caving. Those interested in learning more about caving or joining the local grotto can find more information about the Northern Indiana Grotto at www.caves.org/ grotto/nig/.
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Posted by Peter Youngbaer on 10/24/09 02:58:00 PM (Suggest removal)
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Thank you very much for the edits.
Posted by Peter Youngbaer on 10/15/09 12:28:00 PM (www.caves.org/WNS
Peter Youngbaer, White Nose Syndrome Liaison National Speleological Society&author=Peter Youngbaer">Suggest removal)
DNR Cave Closures and Cavers
No offense to the author of the article, but the phrase "the transfer of the fungus, which can be spread by recreational cavers." is misleading and inaccurate on several counts.
First, there is no scientific proof to date that there is any human vector in the spreading of White Nose Syndrome.
Indeed, the USFWS is careful to use the word "may" when talking about this possibility. USFWS, and everyone working on this terrible crisis agree that the primary method of spreading WNS is from bat to bat.
That possibility, "may," leads most of us to take the precautions of cleaning and decontamination as outlined by the USFWS to avoid that possibility.
Secondly, the term "recreational cavers" belies the range of professional to amateur that exists within the caving community.
Fulltime scientists studying everything from bats to geology to microbiology to archeology to hydrology and more are very serious about their underground work. University professors lead their graduate and undergraduate students in a range of studies.
Another group of cavers - explorers, or project cavers - spend years exploring, surveying, and mapping in a single cave - some of these tens of miles, even 100 miles or more in length. These are the folks we see in National Geographic specials and the like, bringing spectacular underworld beauty to the general public.
And, yes, there are recreational cavers, too.
Finally, cavers love bats, and, as a rule, avoid them during cave visits. On the other hand, state and federal biologists and others specifically studying bats intentionally contact them, moving gear and equipment from place to place. If there is a human vector, it is more likely to occur here. That is why these professionals are also keenly aware of cleaning and decontamination protocols.
Scientists from both the caving and non-caving communities have been collaborating in this investigation for several years now.
The National Speleological Society, the nation's largest caving organization, with 12,000 active members, has been one of the leading conservation agencies helping with the WNS investigation, funding research, and educating the public. We own and manage many caves, including sensitive bat hibernacula, and are active partners in the WNS fight.
Casual comments that leave the public with an impression that its the fault of "recreational cavers" belies the heavy commitment most cavers have to bat and cave conservation and our efforts to help.
For information about WNS and the NSS, readers can go to www.caves.org/WNS
Peter Youngbaer, White Nose Syndrome Liaison National Speleological Society
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