NSS Closes Two Cave Preserves due to White Nose Syndrome

Christa Hay, manager of the Schoharie Caverns Nature Preserve, and Thom Engel, manager of the Barton Hill Nature Preserve (including Gage’s Cave) have closed these two New York caves, effective October 1.  These two caves have historically remained open throughout the year, but were forced to close last year to do the onset of WNS.  They are scheduled to re-open May 15, 2009. 

Both of these caves were initial “ground zero” White Nose Syndrome sites, and have seen their bat populations decimated.  Al Hicks, biologist for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, concurs with these closures, as the caves have good historical data, and can provide a continuous comparison of the evolution of the White Nose Syndrome.

McFail’s Preserve, also in New York, closes anyway on October 15 to protect hibernating bats, according to its long-standing management plan.  No changes are anticipated.

Tytoona Preserve, in Pennsylvania, will remain open, unlike last year.  Preserve Manager, Garrett Czmor, reports there are no bats in the cave.  Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel have made no requests to close the cave this year.

At the John Guilday Preserve in West Virginia, manager Dave West reports that the newly-gated Trout Cave closed on Labor Day for the season to protect the growing population of Indiana bats.  Unlike last year, New Trout and Hamilton caves remain open for visitation.

Northeastern Cave Conservancy closes three caves for WNS