State DEP Concerned About Syndrome Killing Bats

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut environmental officials say they are concerned about a large number of bats being killed off by an illness while they hibernate.

The state Department of Environmental Protection says white nose syndrome has been attacking hibernating bats much more severely this winter.

DEP says visits to two of the major caves and mines in Connecticut where bats hibernate show up to 90 percent of them have died from the syndrome.

DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy says the impact of the deaths will be felt by people in a few months.

McCarthy says fewer bats will be out to eat mosquitoes and other flying insects that attack people as well as the forests and farmlands.