Deadly Disease Could Threaten Entire SC Bat Population

Bat species in South Carolina are at risk after a dead bat found at Table Rock State Park was confirmed to have a devastating disease that has killed millions of bats in 21 other states, The Greenville News reported.

Wildlife researchers warned that "white-nose syndrome," the disease that killed the bat found in northern Pickens County, has the ability to wipe out entire bat species. 

The disease poses no direct threat to humans. However, because of the beneficial nature of bats, which keep harmful insect species in check, insect-borne diseases that pose a danger to humans could rise drastically and upset local ecosystems.

"It may take up to two years to document the effect on the bat population here because the disease spreads during winter while bats hibernate in caves and mines," the paper reported.

Since there is no known way to stop the disease's spread, wildlife officials are cautioning humans to limit contact with bats and their habitats to keep persons from spreading the disease to other bat colonies.

Read the original article here.