We're told when it comes to mosquitoes, some of the worst areas are near stagnant water and heavily wooded areas. And part of what's causing the high number of bugs has wildlife experts seriously concerned.
Wildlife experts say the booming population of mosquitoes is partially the result of a large die off of a species of brown bats. These bats are the most common species found here in Maine and eat mosquitoes and bugs. One bat can eat 1,000-2,000 bugs a night, but a deadly disease called white fungus has arrived here in Maine and is killing the bats.
Lou Morin works at Maine Audobon in Falmouth, alongside wildlife experts, says the white fungus is an infection that causes bats to awaken too frequently and they eventually starve to death because of excessive hyperactivity.
Wildlife experts and state biologists say when it comes to white nose syndrome, there's still a lot they don't know. They and many others are hoping the disease doesn't wipe out the brown bat population.
Bats are responsible for eating a wide array of bugs, so there die off is causing a lot more than just more mosquitoes. It’s expected to have a several billion dollar impact on agriculture and the forestry business.
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