Bats in Red River Gorge

Many bat species call the Red River Gorge home and may live in dark recesses of rock shelters as well as caves.
Many bat species are under threat from White-nose syndrome disease. White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease that affects hibernating bats and has killed millions of bats in the United States. The Forest Service has closed many caves to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease that affects hibernating bats, and to avoid further stressing infected bats. Human visitors can unknowingly spread white-nose syndrome disease. Even if caves are open to visitors, areas may have advisories or recommendations to avoid caves with hibernating bats and requirements to decontaminate gear before and after visiting caves. 
Caves on public lands provide critical habitat for many at-risk species including bats. Bats are vital to the health of our natural world, and to our lives. Bats are critical to the health of our public lands, and to our lives. As the primary predator of night flying insects, bats consume tons of forest and agricultural pests each year -their annual value to agriculture is estimated to be up to $3 billion. Bats are vital components of any ecosystem they inhabit. They serve as pollinators, and control biting insect and agricultural pest populations by eating up to their body weight in insects every night. 
Caves on federal lands are a valuable and irreplaceable part of the nation's natural heritage managed by the Forest Service as part of the public trust.  Exploration and visitation of undeveloped caves is a popular recreation activity, but visitors should contact the local Forest Service office to ensure that access is not restricted.  Visit the website: www.fs.usda.gov/dbnf.