Endangered Indiana Bat Could Become Extinct by 2022

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The Indiana Bat, one of four endangered species living in Polk County, could become nearly extinct by 2022 according to a recent US Geological Survey.

The population is expected to decline by 90 percent in nine years thanks to white-nose syndrome, WBAA public radio reported.

The fungal infection named for the white ring of fungus that forms on the bats' face has killed more than one million bats since 2006, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Indiana bats spend most of their time hibernating in caves in northeastern states and roost in wooded areas in the summer months, which is when they are most likely to be found in Iowa.

The Iowa DNR said the use of bat boxes, like the one found at Ames' Ada Hayden Heritage Park, could protect maternal colonies by attracting bats out of manmade structures and breaking them up into smaller groups so they are less impacted by environmental disturbances.

The Indiana bat population is also affected by people entering their caves in winter months, a loss of forested areas and pesticides that affect their food supply, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

In Iowa, the bats can be found in the southern half of the state as far north as Story County and as far west as Page County.

The DNR said the bats live in the southern half of state from May to August and studies are required on any road projects requiring the removal of trees before work can begin. In fact the discovery of an Indiana Bat near the proposed Interstate 80 interchange in Waukee, delayed a road project there, according to CBS news.

A least tern, prairie bush clover and a Western prairie fringed orchid are also on the list of species endangered in Polk County.

How to Help From Fish and Wildlife Services

• Keep up-to-date with the most recent news about WNS and cave closings and inform others of WNS and its effects.

• Report any findings of dead bats and bats that you suspect are infected with WNS to your state wildlife agency or Iowa DNR.

• Follow the IDNR’s rules and regulations regarding caves and hibernacula such as cave closures.

• Avoid any caves with hibernating bats to minimize disturbance and the possible transmittance of the disease.

If going into a cave, avoid contact with bats and follow the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s recommended decontamination protocols for clothes and equipment: www.fws.gov/ whitenosesyndrome

Learn more about Iowa's endangered species today, the 8^th annual Endangered Species Day and the 40^th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act on the Fish and Wildlife Service's website: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/lists/iowa_cty.html