Caves Closed To Spelunkers For Bats’ Sake, Blm Says

The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed 10 caves in the Magic Valley to recreation use to protect two rare species of bats that hibernate in them.

Wildlife experts say if bats are awakened by people during their hibernation period, it can threaten their survival.

The closure started last month and continues until May. The caves affected all are in lava fields north of Shoshone and Gooding.

The BLM said the seasonal closure is designed to protect Townsend’s big-eared bat and the small-footed myotus. Populations of both species have declined by an estimated 65 percent since 1988, making it possible they would be listed on the federal Endangered Species Act.

“Studies have shown that hibernating bats are seriously impacted by recreational use during their hibernation period,” said Paula Perletti, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Upper Snake River District. “Our goal is to leave the bats alone during winter and when they come out of hibernation in the spring, reopen the caves to people.”

Bats are important to Idaho’s environment and economy because they prey on insects that harm humans, agricultural crops and forests. They hibernate in caves with certain temperature and humidity ranges for about six months per year.

“In the summer, bats store fat and when they go into hibernation they rely on those energy reserves to get them through the winter,” said Lyle Lewis, ecologist with the BLM state office. “When bats are awakened from hibernation it uses a lot of their energy reserves, so if they are awakened more than a couple of times a year they could literally starve to death.”

Closed caves will be posted with signs. Cave explorers will have plenty of caves to visit, since just 20 percent of the caves in the area will be closed.

People who violate closure will be subject to fines up to $1,000 and 12 months in prison. The BLM said it will warn violators through Nov. 26 but after that will issue citations.

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