Posted: 12.09.2010

State wildlife officials have approved a
permanent set of rules they hope will slow the spread of white-nose
syndrome in Wisconsin bats.

The rules classify four cave bats as threatened, list the fungus
linked to the disease as an invasive species and require cave and
mine visitors to decontaminate their gear.

They also grant the Department of Natural Resources the power to
inspect caves and mines and create site-specific prevention plans.
Those plans could include closing sites to bats or people, although
DNR officials stress that's a last resort.

The DNR's board unanimously approved the rules Wednesday in
Madison.

White-nose syndrome has killed more than a million bats in the
United States and Canada. It hasn't been found in Wisconsin yet,
but wildlife officials are preparing for its arrival.

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