"Endangered: The Tragic Plight of Pennsylvania's Little Brown Bat"
The Little Brown Bat, once the most common bat species in Pennsylvania, has been added to the state's endangered species list due to the devastating impact of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal infection. WNS has decimated bat populations across North America, with a mortality rate of over 90%. Pennsylvania has lost between 98-99% of its Little Brown Bat population to WNS. The decline of bats poses ecological risks, as they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Despite the grim situation, efforts are being made to support bat populations through measures such as planting native plants and reducing pesticide use.