Public asked to report bat sightings

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is asking the public to report bat sightings.

Ecologists are monitoring for white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome is one of the worst wildlife diseases in modern times. The disease has killed millions of bats across North America.

The public should report any locations where bats are known or suspected to be hibernating including caves, mines, and non-typical underground hibernation sites such as abandoned root cellars or old wells.

Individuals should never touch a bat with bare hands or enter any known or suspected hibernation sites to avoid spreading fungal spores of the disease.

Anyone wishing to report a bat sighting or a suspected bat dwelling can contact the provincial Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative toll-free bat line at 1-833-434-BATS (2287).