Officials with the Coconino National Forest are monitoring a colony of bats that have been roosting in the historic Child’s Power Plant building since a dam was decommissioned along Fossil Creek in 2005. Forest managers say the building has seen significant vandalism in recent months, including setting fires inside.
Despite the vandalism, the bat colony seems relatively undisturbed and has had an increase in population of 30% in the past year alone. However, officials say they are keeping a close eye on the health of the bats as the colony is critical in monitoring the fungus that causes White Nose Syndrome.
The fungal disease typically affects wings and muzzles and has killed millions of bats in North America since the early 2000’s.
Forest officials encourage the public to be respectful when visiting the area.