Researchers look for solutions to deadly disease affecting bats in Mammoth Cave

EC3 (Early College and Career Center) | Elizabethtown, KY

Bats play an important role in the unique ecosystem of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, but a mysterious disease — white-nose syndrome — is now threatening the local bat population. Researchers in Kentucky are enlisting the help of students to keep track of and better understand the impact of the disease on Mammoth’s diverse bat population.

Produced by Risa Tomioka, Keri Baraby, Matt Lamp, Trevor Stover, Jazlyne Barnes and Mikhale Youravich, students at Central Hardin High School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Gina Ryan. Mentor support provided by Rickard Toomey III, Ph.D. Station support provided by KET.

Special thanks to Mammoth Cave National Park for the opportunity to explore the natural, cultural and educational resources being preserved for visitors from around the country and world by the park and its rangers.

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See the full series: America the Beautiful