Fungus attacks Smokies bats

Summary:
In this article, there is a fungus that is causing many species of bats to behave differently. It is causing them to wake up from hibernation very early, before their food source is available. It is also causing them to be very underweight or starving when they wake up. Bats have also been reported flying in the middle of the day, a very unusual behavior, and even dropping dead out of the sky. Scientists have begun calling this "white nose syndrome" because of the white fungus appearing on the bats' nose. This parasitic fungus is thought to be related to rabies, so people are encouraged to stay away from these bats. Scientists are concerned that if this fungus continues to harm the bats that there will be no way to control insect populations, an important role of bats. This fungus is spreading throughout many species of bats.

Connection:
This article connects to fungi, and its various roles like parasitism. This fungi is a parasite harming many different species of bats all over the place. It also connects to the importance of different organisms in a n ecosystem. It explains how if the bats go extinct or there populations are diminished, then the number of insects would greatly increase due to not being eaten by the bats.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20130225/OUTDOORS/302250012/Fungus-attacks-Smokies-bats

Source: The Citizen Times
Author: Karen Chavez
Date: February 24 2013