Published: November 23, 2007 11:22 pm

An act of cruelty — 11/25/07

Brutal killing of hibernating bats at park is appalling crime

The killing of more than 100 Indiana bats hibernating in caves at Carter Caves State Resort Park is much more than just violations of the federal Endangered Species Act. It is a cruel and senseless act that adds a black mark to what has been a tremendous success story at the park near Olive Hill.

It is beyond us how anyone could crush with rocks dozens of sleeping bats that posed no threat to anyone. Our hope is that those responsible for such an inhumane act are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Prior to the two recent attacks in October in an undisclosed cave at the park, the news had all been positive concerning the efforts to restore the bat population at Carter Caves. In just a few years, John Tierney, retired naturalist at the state park, said the Indiana bat population in the park’s cave had grown from just “a handful” to between 9,000 and 10,000 at last count. In fact, the park has closed off some of its caves — most notably Saltpetre Cave — to visitors during the hibernation season just to protect the tiny flying mammals.

Tierney and others believe those responsible for the recent deaths do not understand bats and the vital role they play in maintaining the balance of nature. For example, there are few more effective natural ways to control the insect populations than the presence of a large number of bats.

Although quite small when clinging to the walls or ceiling of a cave, the bats can be a bit frightening when flying at night, but that fear is based more on myth than reality. “People have seen too many vampire movies,” Tierney said.

Jonathon Lewis, who like Tierney is from Olive Hill, blames a “lack of education and the Hollywood image. Enforcing the law won’t do enough until we educate people about bats and what they do for us.”

Lewis is president of the cave and wildlife conservation group Esso Grotto.

The maximum penalty for killing protected animals like the Indiana bat is a $100,000 fine and a year in prison. However, the chances of anyone actually being charged and convicted with the recent slaughter of bats are probably long.

Fish & Wildlife Resources spokesman Traci Hemberger said several youths were arrested during the 1960s for killing an estimated 10,000 Indiana bats at Carter Caves. That makes the latest incidents seem minor by comparison. But it still is a serious matter that merits a full investigation. Regardless of what they may personally think about bats, area residents should be appalled at the extreme cruelty behind the bat killings.