A small creature with big problems

Farmers, scientists, and environmental organizations are asking the Obama administration to open their eyes to the problems of a sometimes unattractive creature.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, 61 environmental organizations, farmers, and scientists have signed a letter urging Congress to increase funding for research into what is being called “white nose syndrome”, and stating that they feel the matter disserves immediate attention.

Currently, bats in the U.S are being infected by this rapidly spreading disease. It has been reported that since 2006 (when the disease was discovered) and estimated 500,000 bats have died, and the disease has spread over 9 states. Not much is known about the disease other then it shows up as white smudges on infected bats wings and noses. Hence the name.

Members of Congress from 13 states have urged the Obama administration to take greater action where the disease is concerned, and two subcommittees of the U.S House Natural Resources Committee are planning to hold a hearing on June 4.

Bats have never been known to be an attractive group of animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t disserve the same attention as the more popular creatures on our planet.

Clearly something needs to be done. The disease does not seem to be effecting humans directly, but the loss of bats could. Though few people can say they like bats, they probably like the service they provide. Bats are a huge consumer of insects, and without them it is possible that insect numbers will rise. The rise of insect numbers could lead to the rise in pesticide use, which leads to more chemicals on our bodies and in our food, which could lead to other problems. The list goes on.

The Obama administration needs to be careful not to overlook such a small creature. They are important to our ecosystem, and the loss of any creature can and will cause short term and long term effects that will effect the environment and ultimately us.