Press Release from Bat Conservation International (BCI)
Vandals intentionally killed more than 100 endangered Indiana myotis (Myotis
sodalis) at a state-owned cave in Kentucky. State and federal wildlife
authorities are investigating and a reward fund launched by Bat Conservation
International is offering at least $2,850 for information leading to the
arrest and conviction of those involved.
The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources reports that vandals
entered a cave at Carter Caves State Resort Park and attacked a hibernating
colony of Indiana myotis with rocks on two occasions in late October. Some
bats were crushed, while others died after being knocked into a stream.
The first incident apparently occurred between Oct. 21 and 24, and the second
probably came on Oct. 26. Caves at the state park house the largest
hibernating populations of Indiana myotis in Kentucky. The specific cave
involved in these incidents is not being identified to protect the remaining
bats.
Indiana myotis have been protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since
1966. Since then, their numbers have declined continuously until recently.
Recovery efforts, based in large part on research by BCI, are making steady
progress with the species.
Violations of the Endangered Species Act can result in a maximum penalty of a
$100,000 fine and a year in prison.
A similar attack occurred in Kentucky in 1987, when vandals killed at least
255 bats, 66 of which were confirmed as Indiana myotis. A reward offered by
BCI and the American Cave Conservation Association was considered instrumental
in the conviction of the four men responsible.
When BCI learned of the latest bat kills, Founder Merlin Tuttle provided $500
to begin a reward fund, with the help of Traci Ann Hemberger, Endangered
Species Biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
Resources. BCI’s seed money was quickly matched by Eco-Tech Consultants,
Inc., of Frankfort, Kentucky. Others in the state’s bat-conservation
community followed suit.
Anyone with information about the bat deaths should contact Special Agent Bob
Snow of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (502) 582-5989.
To contribute to the reward fund, please contact Traci.Hemberger@ky.gov