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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 9, 2015 12:40 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Stephen McCarter |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation Providing for Certain Bats as Endangered Species |
| In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation (House Bill 1099) that would designate the Northern Long-Eared Bat, Tri-Colored Bat, and Little Brown Bat as endangered species. The large-scale ecological damage that could result from the loss of bats may not be apparent to the average person on a daily basis. However, the United States Geological Survey estimates that bats save the agriculture industry billions of dollars annually through the consumption of harmful insects. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has seen a drastic reduction in the number of certain bat species due to the disease known as White-Nose Syndrome, which was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2008. Since that time, this disease has been confirmed in 23 counties and is currently suspected in seven others. Once infected, bats begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors, such as leaving their hibernation sites during winter months, flying outside during daylight hours, and clustering near the entrances of their caves during hibernation periods. These activities burn stored fat reserves needed to sustain hibernation and lead to fatigue that is ultimately fatal. According to studies done by the Pennsylvania Game Commission before and after the discovery of White-Nose Syndrome, there has been about a 99 percent decrease in the Northern Long-Eared Bat, Tri-Colored Bat, and Little Brown Bat populations. Designating these bats as endangered species would ensure that they are provided with the protection they need to continue to exist and, as a result, prevent the spread of certain infections and diseases in the Commonwealth. |