Yesterday was the first time I ever went caving. It was a blast and I got some great iNat observations but I feel sick to my stomach knowing I was part of a group that disturbed hibernating bats. This cave is partially fully commercially developed and partially accessible through their guided wild c…

That is incredibly disturbing, you’re right. I would definitely contact USFWS. Maybe they won’t do anything, but like, worst case scenario nothing happens, right? I would also put together some info about these species (with a lot of sources so they can’t go “well some rando told me…”) and give it …

Regarding caving, make sure you follow the White Nose Syndrome decontamination protocols recommended for your area. To avoid disturbing hibernating bats, or in the summer to avoid disturbing maternity colonies, keep the potential presence of bats foremost on your mind when you enter a cave. Keep noi…

Oh my! Poor things! I agree with [image] clockwood: I would definitely contact USFWS. Maybe they won’t do anything, but like, worst case scenario nothing happens, right? I would also put together some info about these species (with a lot of sources so they can’t go “well some rando told me…”) a…

This was in Tennessee. I plan on talking to one of our state game wardens about it Tuesday. (I’ll be meeting with them for an unrelated reason.)

Wow. Hope they do something about it soon.

I would caution to not jump to too many conclusions… by all means follow up on this, but try not to pre-judge without all the facts. “Do something about it” sounds like you have already found them guilty of something! They may have undertaken studies prior to setting up the operation that establishe…

I’m certainly not trying to have them shut down. Caving there was a wonderful experience and as far as I can tell, they’re trying to be good stewards. They make a very big deal about not bringing anything biological into the cave, no flash photos of the wildlife (though they allow head lamps on them…

Caving and disturbed hibernators

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Caving and disturbed hibernators

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