Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee Chair Tim Eustace (D-Bergen/Passaic) on Friday announced plans to observe the state’s native bat species in its natural habitat and discuss “White Nose Syndrome,” a deadly disease affecting North American bats.
Local experts, including representatives from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, and fellow legislators will meet Eustace on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at 105 Stony Brook Road in Towaco. The group then will depart from this location to observe the bat colony.
“Just in the last few years, nearly 80 percent of all bats in New Jersey have been wiped out due to White Nose Syndrome. The severe decline in the bat population has forced farmers to spend a great deal more on pesticides to fight against insects that bats would normally eat,” said Eustace, who has sponsored a number of bills to raise awareness and revitalize the native bat population in New Jersey. “Tuesday will be an enlightening excursion for all who attend. By learning more about this species, we will be able to determine more ways that we can help fight against extinction of the native bat population.”
Interested parties may contact the 38th Legislative District Office at 201-576-9199 for more information