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PRINTER'S NO. 1990
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
124
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY HOWARD, BOBACK, SAPPEY, SCHLOSSBERG, SAMUELSON,
SANCHEZ, HOHENSTEIN AND DELLOSO, JULY 30, 2021
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, JULY 30, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on the current status of bat species located in this
Commonwealth and management and conservation efforts that
have been undertaken to protect and bolster bat populations
and to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to
the General Assembly.
WHEREAS, Although some mammals are able to glide, bats are
the only mammals that are truly able to fly; and
WHEREAS, Bats are so unique that they belong to their own
order of mammals known as Chiroptera, meaning "hand-winged"; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is home to nine different species
of bats, all of which feed on insects; and
WHEREAS, Bats can consume 25% of their body weight during a
single feeding; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, a typical colony of 100 bats feeding for roughly 200
days has been estimated to consume more than 2,220 pounds, or
approximately 600 million insects; and
WHEREAS, Though the large-scale ecological importance of bats
may not be readily apparent, the United States Geological Survey
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estimates that bats save the agricultural industry billions of
dollars annually through the consumption of harmful insects; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has experienced a significant
decline in populations of certain bat species in recent years
due to the disease known as white-nose syndrome; and
WHEREAS, White-nose syndrome is a disease caused by the
fungus Pseudogymnoacus destructans; and
WHEREAS, White-nose syndrome was named because the infection
associated with it is white in color and develops on the muzzle
and wing membranes of infected bats; and
WHEREAS, Once infected, bats begin exhibiting
uncharacteristic behaviors, such as leaving their hibernation
sites during winter months, flying outside during daylight hours
and clustering near the entrances of the caves during their
hibernating period; and
WHEREAS, These behaviors burn stored fat reserves needed to
sustain hibernation through winter months and lead to fatigue in
bats that is ultimately fatal; and
WHEREAS, Since it was first discovered in this Commonwealth
in 2008, white-nose syndrome has been confirmed in several
counties located across this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, According to studies conducted by the Pennsylvania
Game Commission, there has been an estimated 99% decrease in the
eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii), little brown bat
(Myotis lucifugus), northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) and tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)
populations; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that this Commonwealth recognize the
importance of bats and develop measures to conserve and protect
these species; and
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WHEREAS, A study that identifies and evaluates bat
populations in this Commonwealth and related conservation
efforts would be beneficial to both humans and wildlife;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on the current
status of bat species located in this Commonwealth and
management and conservation efforts that have been undertaken to
protect and bolster bat populations and to issue a report of its
findings and recommendations to the General Assembly; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study:
(1) identify and examine conservation efforts and
procedures, measures, statutes and management
responsibilities of State agencies, nongovernmental
organizations and academic institutions to assist in the
management and protection of bat species in this
Commonwealth;
(2) conduct an economic impact analysis on the loss of
bat populations relative to insect mitigation efforts and the
impact on the spread of vector-borne diseases in this
Commonwealth;
(3) identify best practices in response to white-nose
syndrome mitigation and bat-related conservation efforts,
with consideration given to public-private partnerships,
academic institutions and interagency coordination; and
(4) identify financial mechanisms and options for
funding white-nose syndrome mitigation and bat-related
conservation efforts;
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission consult
with organizations that:
(1) have organizational missions and expertise in
wildlife habitat and ecological conservation relative to bat
species;
(2) integrate conservation efforts in a way that
strengthens and inspires community involvement;
(3) collect data on the ecological benefits of bats;
(4) collect data on bat habitats, mortality, populations
and white-nose syndrome; and
(5) have knowledge of relevant issues;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission be
authorized to consult with surrounding states and private
landowners that have knowledge of relevant issues; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission prepare
a report of its findings and recommendations of the study and
submit the report to the General Assembly no later than 18
months after the adoption of this resolution.
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