Birmingham’s caves, abandoned mines are prime spots for bat research

<p>Did you know bats are drawn to abandoned mines and caves? These spaces are dark and cool – the perfect conditions for bats to hibernate – and Birmingham, Alabama, has plenty. Southern Company recently announced its newest stewardship program, Bats for the Future Fund, which provides funding to groups researching bats. In fact, researchers spotted signs of white-nose syndrome, a potentially life-threatening fungus to bats, in the Birmingham area. That is why the city was chosen as the location for this year’s Bat Blitz.</p>
<p>This annual event is held by Alabama’s Working Group for researchers to learn more about the various bat species in the area. It also helps identify species that could be affected since some may be more vulnerable to the fungus than others. During the Bat Blitz, bat enthusiasts, researchers and wildlife specialists seek out woodland areas, caves and abandoned mines that might support bats so they can collect information and look for signs of WNS. Southern Company and Alabama Power employees were on hand during this year’s blitz to help and learn about the important role bats play in our ecosystems.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfwf.org/bats/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank" adhocenable="false">Click here</a> to learn more about Southern Company is partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and others to find a cure for WNS.</p>