Hundreds of caves in the eastern United States have been closed in an effort to control a fungus that has killed more than a half-million bats. It seems that a mysterious fungus – dubbed “white nose syndrome” has taken a heavy toll among the flying mammals.
Fortunately, caves throughout the Black Hills National Forest remain open to the public.
Perhaps we dozed during a network newscast – or maybe this wildlife threat just couldn’t compete with the death of Michael Jackson and media obsession with all things Palin. In any event, it wasn’t until our participation in the latest Black Hills Forest Service Moon Walk (7/11/09) to Ice Cave that we learned about this mysterious fungus that is wreaking havoc on bats across much of the country.
Bats seem to have gotten an undeserved reputation over the years. Perhaps it’s all Count Dracula’s fault – those many scary stories and movies about “vampire bats.” The fact of the matter is that bats are in important part of the eco-system, particularly as predators of insects. On this Moon Walk, we learned that Black Hills caves provide critical roosting habitat for bats. A bat may consume as many as one thousand mosquitoes per day. Now that’s a public service! While we didn’t see any bats in Ice Cave – and Wind Cave reportedly has very few bats – Jewel Cave is said to be home to thousands of bats at different times of the year.
In addition to bats, a wide variety of other animals find refuge in caves, including badgers, porcupines, bushy-tailed woodrats and salamanders, among others.
Learning about bats – and their favorite habitat, caves – was a real bonus treat for the 150 or so people who braved the gravel Forest Service roads west of Custer to reach a parking lot near Gillette Canyon and hike up to Ice Cave. We've included several photos in this Moon Walk Gallery.
Every time we go on these walks, we think it’s better than the last. Fact is, each gathering offers special insight into the remarkable diversity of the Black Hills and helps rekindle our interest in the magnificent outdoor environment we enjoy in this region of the country.
This time, coordinator Amy Ballard introduced us to Brad Phillips, a Forest Service wildlife biologist who grew up and went to school in California, but who has found a home and lots of interests in the Black Hills.
Phillips led our group to Ice Cave, which we found is one of lots of caves with such a name. Since it’s mid-summer, we weren’t able to gaze upon any huge ice columns climbing from the floor to the roof of the cave – but we did find ice glazed on the floor of the roomy cave.
Well, I say “roomy,” since it’s a darn sight larger than Blue Rock cave in the hills just south of Chadron, Nebraska where we grew up. But it’s miniscule when compared to the likes of Jewel Cave or Wind Cave, two roomy caverns nestled in the southern part of the Hills. Both of these treasures are considered among the most special caves in the world. There are reportedly more than 100 caves carved out of the limestone formations throughout the Black Hills.
It was an eye-opener to learn that learn that Jewel cave is the second longest cave in the world. My guess at just how long the cave is fell woefully short. I think it was something like “a mile.” National Park Service officials say the cave – located west of Custer just off U.S. Highway 16 – is more than 146 miles long!
What’s NOT surprising is that these Moon Walks are so popular. We find them invigorating and informative. Already, we’re looking forward to the August 8th jaunt to the Meeker Ranch Homestead near of Custer. Get the full Moon Walk schedule and more information by going to the U.S. Forest Service Black Hills website. Mark your calendar and join us!
Fortunately, caves throughout the Black Hills National Forest remain open to the public.
Perhaps we dozed during a network newscast – or maybe this wildlife threat just couldn’t compete with the death of Michael Jackson and media obsession with all things Palin. In any event, it wasn’t until our participation in the latest Black Hills Forest Service Moon Walk (7/11/09) to Ice Cave that we learned about this mysterious fungus that is wreaking havoc on bats across much of the country.Bats seem to have gotten an undeserved reputation over the years. Perhaps it’s all Count Dracula’s fault – those many scary stories and movies about “vampire bats.” The fact of the matter is that bats are in important part of the eco-system, particularly as predators of insects. On this Moon Walk, we learned that Black Hills caves provide critical roosting habitat for bats. A bat may consume as many as one thousand mosquitoes per day. Now that’s a public service! While we didn’t see any bats in Ice Cave – and Wind Cave reportedly has very few bats – Jewel Cave is said to be home to thousands of bats at different times of the year.
In addition to bats, a wide variety of other animals find refuge in caves, including badgers, porcupines, bushy-tailed woodrats and salamanders, among others.
Learning about bats – and their favorite habitat, caves – was a real bonus treat for the 150 or so people who braved the gravel Forest Service roads west of Custer to reach a parking lot near Gillette Canyon and hike up to Ice Cave. We've included several photos in this Moon Walk Gallery.
Every time we go on these walks, we think it’s better than the last. Fact is, each gathering offers special insight into the remarkable diversity of the Black Hills and helps rekindle our interest in the magnificent outdoor environment we enjoy in this region of the country.
This time, coordinator Amy Ballard introduced us to Brad Phillips, a Forest Service wildlife biologist who grew up and went to school in California, but who has found a home and lots of interests in the Black Hills.
Phillips led our group to Ice Cave, which we found is one of lots of caves with such a name. Since it’s mid-summer, we weren’t able to gaze upon any huge ice columns climbing from the floor to the roof of the cave – but we did find ice glazed on the floor of the roomy cave.Well, I say “roomy,” since it’s a darn sight larger than Blue Rock cave in the hills just south of Chadron, Nebraska where we grew up. But it’s miniscule when compared to the likes of Jewel Cave or Wind Cave, two roomy caverns nestled in the southern part of the Hills. Both of these treasures are considered among the most special caves in the world. There are reportedly more than 100 caves carved out of the limestone formations throughout the Black Hills.
It was an eye-opener to learn that learn that Jewel cave is the second longest cave in the world. My guess at just how long the cave is fell woefully short. I think it was something like “a mile.” National Park Service officials say the cave – located west of Custer just off U.S. Highway 16 – is more than 146 miles long!
What’s NOT surprising is that these Moon Walks are so popular. We find them invigorating and informative. Already, we’re looking forward to the August 8th jaunt to the Meeker Ranch Homestead near of Custer. Get the full Moon Walk schedule and more information by going to the U.S. Forest Service Black Hills website. Mark your calendar and join us!
1 comment:
As an avid caver,and one of the few who actively searches for new caves,I would like to add a few things to this piece.
For the record,I am the guy wearing the gray tank-top and headlight,in the picture titled "cave discussion".
There are FAR more than 100 caves in the Hills. Try closer to 400...that we know about.I ought to know...with my friend Dean,we have discovered more than 70 new ones.We have been to virtually all of the known ones,as well.
The Black Hills is an incredible area for caves. We have more than 275 miles of passage,in Wind and Jewel,alone! They are nowhere near being fully explored,either.
Unless you are into geology,you wouldn't know it,but there are FOUR formations of "rock",that can have caves,in the Hills! The Madison is the most commonly spoken about,but it's not the only one. It's the just the most common,for caves. The potential for cave discovery is enormous.
The bats in the Hills,are another great mystery. Besides Brad,there are only a few other people even studying them. It's mostly a blank slate.I think it's safe to say,most of our knowledge about numbers and locations,are only rough estimates. Certainly,the caves that we have discovered,are not being used by bats. So where do they go?
My feeling,is that there must be many more caves out there,that have not been discovered. Certainly,a few must be used in large numbers, by bats.
The problem,is getting people to look for them. You don't have to go to Africa,to have an adventure...there are major discoveries waiting for you,in your own backyard...if you are willing to put in the effort.
Carter
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