Bats in Newfoundland and Labrador face a serious disease threat

A deadly disease is seriously affecting bat populations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and scientists are studying the animals, including monitoring and tagging at Salmonier Nature Park.

Deadly disease is seriously affecting bat populations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Scientists and provincial wildlife staff are studying the animals to better understand the decline. Bats are important for insect control and can eat a large portion of their body weight in insects each night. CBC's Land & Sea reporter followed researchers at Salmonier Nature Park as they monitored roosts and documented the work. Key points: - A deadly disease is seriously affecting bat populations in Newfoundland and Labrador. - Provincial wildlife scientist Jessica Humber noted bats' role in controlling insect pests and described their nightly feeding. - Researchers monitor bats at sites such as Salmonier Nature Park, where small wooden houses host roosting bats. - CBC's Land & Sea team filmed researchers' efforts to document and track bats for study. Summary: The reported decline in local bat numbers has raised scientific concern because of bats' role in natural insect control, and researchers are documenting and monitoring populations to learn more. Undetermined at this time.