Maine hearing on Bats With White Nose Syndrome Set for April

AUGUSTA, Maine - A bill that proposes to add two bat species that have been severely reduced by white nose syndrome to Maine's endangered species list will be the subject of a public hearing in April.
 
The state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife wants to add the northern long-eared bat and little brown bat to the list. Wildlife officials said last year that cave counts of the species showed nearly 90 percent declines. The eastern small-footed bat is also being proposed for the state's threatened species list.
 
White nose syndrome is a disease caused by a fungus that interrupts bat hibernation. That robs them of energy and stored fat. It has been identified in many states.
 
The hearing is set for 1 p.m. on April 1 in the Cross Building in Augusta.