Update
on Pennsylvania Caves
(March
3, 2008)
Noting the
lack of information about Pennsylvania caves, Bob Zimmerman
sent messages to some Pennsylvania cavers asking for information.
He
received two reports from cavers describing recent checks
of Pennsylvania caves for WNS. The messages are posted here
with the sender's permission.
The first message, dated 2/29/08, is from Kim Metzgar of the Mid-Atlantic Karst Survey (MAKC):
---------------------------------
Members,
Just
FYI, MAKC has been monitoring its caves for the white-nosed syndrome
now destroying bat populations in New York State. MAKC has checked Hall
Cave and Hesston #1 and #2 (located in Huntingdon County) one time
during hibernation season and has found no indications of the syndrome.
Yesterday, we did a bat count with Greg Turner of the Pa. Game
Commission in Harlansburg Cave (Lawrence County) and there were no
cases of it found there (thank goodness). Franklin County Grotto
reports that Cleversburg Sink (Cumberland County) is now flooding, with
water at least 10 feet deep, so the cave is inaccessible. There have
been no trips into Billy Clay Pit (Pocahontas County, WVA) during
hibernation season.
Kim
---------------------------------
The second message, dated 3/3/08, is from J. D. Lewis of Bald Eagle Grotto in
Williamsport, PA:
--------------------------------
Over the past 4-8 weeks I've been to about 20 caves in Lycoming county
and not observed any signs of WNS. Also been to ~10 caves in
Clinton county... no sign of WNS. Been to ~5 caves
in Center county... no signs of WNS. Also 2 caves
in Mifflin county... no WNS. None of these caves
hold significant bat populations.
The last trip into Alexanders was over a month ago (just before this
WNS thing started to get a lot of attention)... no signs of
WNS at that time, although there were 4-5 bats clustered close to the
entrance gate at the top of the stairs? At the time, I
actually thought this was a bit odd, and commented about it to Adrian.
I just cancelled a trip for Tri-State last weekend, pending further
information.
--------------------------------
Zimmerman said that when JD has more up-to-date information about Alexanders he will let us
know.