Local BLMs to decide whether to limit access to caves, mines to prevent spread of bat disease

BLM: Bat disease plan depends on local offices

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has announced a temporary strategy to deal with a disease rapidly spreading among bats.

The federal agency said Tuesday that the nationwide plan to combat white-nose syndrome lets state BLM directors decide whether to restrict access to bat caves and abandoned mines on agency land. Other federal agencies have closed caves and mines in hopes of limiting the spread of the disease.

The BLM says its plan will be in place until more detailed guidance is developed.

White-nose syndrome has killed more than 1 million hibernating bats since it was first discovered near Albany, N.Y., in 2006. It has been found as far south as Tennessee and as far west as Oklahoma.