Service Provides $1 Million to States to Combat Bat-Killing Fungal Disease ~ VIDEO

By Ammoland

USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is providing much-needed support in the fight against the bat-killing fungal disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) through an additional $1 million in grants to 39 states and the District of Columbia. WNS has killed millions of North American bats in recent years, decimating many populations and putting several species at additional risk of extinction.

Bats are crucial to our nation’s farmers and foresters, helping control pest insects such as beetles and locusts, and significantly reducing the number of toxic pesticides that would otherwise be needed. Studies estimate bats save farmers at least $3.7 billion per year in lost crop revenue and pesticide savings.

Funds will help states support a national strategy for the disease, which includes increasing bat survival rates, preventing further spread and preparing for the potential arrival of the disease in new areas.

This year’s grants bring the total funding to states for WNS response over the last eight years to $8 million. This financial support is part of a Service-led, cooperative, international effort involving more than 100 state, federal, tribal, academic and non-profit partners.

“These grants are critical to helping states respond to white-nose syndrome,” said Jeremy Coleman, …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand