Keeping Eagle Cave's Bats Safe from fatal White-Nose Syndrome
Updated: Jan 26
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungus that is100% deadly to hibernating bats. (It is harmless to humans.) WNS has been found in Midwest caves.
It is extremely important that we do NOT bring gear into Eagle Cave that has been used in other caves, unless it has been thoroughly decontaminated.
It is extremely important to decontaminate our gear after exiting Eagle Cave.
The preferred treatment for equipment deemed suitable for submersion is washing in hot water that maintains a temperature of at least 131ºF for a minimum of 5 continuous minutes.
Dishwasher
Hot cycle washing machine
Each of the following products will disinfect non-submersible equipment when used as labeled.
Ethanol (60% or greater)
Isopropanol (60% or greater)
Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes (70%)
Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes (3%)
Clorox® Bleach
Formula 409® Antibacterial Kitchen All Purpose Cleaner
Hibiclens®
Lysol spray and wipes
Sani Cloth Germicidal Disposable Wipes
How to Decontaminate:
