White Nose Syndrome

Idaho is home to 14 species of bats. Most of us know, but may not appreciate the fact, that bats are one of the most prolific eliminators of pesky insects with a voracious appetite that allows them to eat as many as 1200 bugs per hour. But there is trouble on the horizon. A recently discovered disease attacking hibernating bats is called white nose syndrome. The disease has been discovered in Washington state as we learn fromRita Dixon, the state wildlife action plan coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and game. "White nose syndrome is an emerging infectious disease that kills hibernating bats. It first showed up in the winter of 2006 –2007 in a cave in New York State and since that time it has killed more than 6 million bats. That is only in the East. In Idaho our concern over it is heightened because of the recent confirmation of white nose syndrome in Washington state."

It is estimated that bats contribute pest-control worth $313 million plus to the agricultural industry every year. The Idaho statesman reports that bats add at least $3.7 billion in value per year. including the reduced cost of pesticide application. And that doesn't take into account the downstream impact of contamination.

A wind-driven wildfire is burning about 2,100 acres and threatening about 1,200 homes in a central Oregon subdivision, prompting officials to put residents on an evacuation notice.