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
20210HR0124PN1990 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30