Be a Responsible Explorer

People explore for many reasons. Sometimes we explore to learn new things. Sometimes we explore to make money. Other times we explore for fun. Exploring can help solve problems. But it can also create problems or make problems worse. Explorers have the great responsibility to know the difference. They have the responsibility to know when to stop exploring.

In the Northeastern part of the United States, explorers are being asked to do just that. Government agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are asking that many caves be closed to cave explorers, or cavers. Why should caves be closed to explorers? When cavers explore one cave after another, they may be spreading a disease that is killing thousands of bats. The cavers’ clothes and supplies may be carrying a fungus that causes white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome is a very serious disease found in bats across the Northeast. This disease causes white fungus to grow on infected bats, especially around their noses.

A Little Brown Bat with signs of white-nose syndrome.

Bats with white-nose syndrome often die during hibernation. While the bats are hibernating, the disease attacks the food stored in their bodies. The bats are not able to get more food in the winter. Most bats that have white-nose syndrome starve to death during the winter months. In some states, as many as 9 out of 10 bats living in some caves have died of white-nose syndrome. Scientists do not know what causes white-nose syndrome in bats. But they do know that bats are a very important part of the ecosystem. Bats eat insects and help spread seeds and pollen. If we lose large numbers of bats, it could have a great effect on the environment.

Scientists and government leaders hope that if cavers stop exploring, the spread of white-nose syndrome might slow down. Then, scientists will have more time to find a way to stop the disease. Many thousands of bats might be saved. Cavers must think about exploring and ways to help save the bats and their ecosystem. They must make a choice to explore responsibly.

Four hikers explore a cave.

Even if you are not a cave explorer or scientist, you can find out more information on white-nose syndrome. Just log-in and explore online! And remember, no matter what we explore or why, all of us must do so responsibly.

TLX News Journal Civics Activity:

Research caves and cave exploration in your region. What rules do you think you should follow to be a responsible cave explorer? Identify three rules and write them in your journal.