Posted: 10.22.2010

State wildlife officials are proposing new
rules that could restrict access to caves and mines to slow a
devastating bat disease.

The Department of Natural Resources is preparing for the arrival
of white-nose syndrome. The disease has killed more than a million
bats in the United States and Canada.

The DNR has proposed emergency rules that would allow the agency
to order caves and mines closed if a landowner doesn't cooperate.
The rules also would allow the DNR to enter caves and mines to
check for the white-nose fungus as well as visitors to
decontaminate their clothes.

The DNR's board is expected to vote on the rules next week.
 

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