Hibernacula survey at Niter Ice Cave, Caribou County, Idaho

Publication Type:

Report

Authors:

Abel, Becky

Source:

p.[6] (2014)

Call Number:

U14ABE02IDUS

Keywords:

Big Brown Bat, Corynorhinus townsendii, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis sp, Townsend’s big-eared bat, Western Small-footed Myotis

Abstract:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists surveyed Niter Ice Cave for hibernating bats on 28 February 2014. We accessed the cave by vehicle. Niter Ice Cave is a simple lava tube formation. We counted a total of 47 bats: 43 Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii, two hibernating big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), one western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum), and one unknown Myotis species (Myotis sp.). Bats in this cave are mostly accessible for visual inspection for the presence of WNS fungus, and no bats were observed to exhibit signs of white-nose syndrome (WNS). We took swabs from the wings and faces of 10 Townsend’s big-eared bats for Winifred Frick’s WNS Continental Sampling study. We took precautions to prevent possible contamination and spread of white nose syndrome by following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WNS protocols. Tables, photos, and datasheets are included.