MOHAWK, MI-- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it’s received the first reports this winter of bats dying of white-nose syndrome.
The bats were found near the opening of an abandoned copper mine near Mohawk in Keweenaw County.
White-nose syndrome was discovered last year in Alpena, Dickinson, Keweenaw, Mackinac, and Ontonagon counties. Widespread die-off of hibernating bats is expected in all these counties this winter.
Officials say most dead bats will be found within 100 yards of the openings to mines, caves, and other places they hibernate, but some bats may travel a mile or more before dying.
People are encouraged not to touch dead bats with their bare hands and to report any bat die-offs on the DNR website.
