Mines For Bats Only

Sun., July 14, 1996

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Wildlife

The Panhandle National Forests launched a campaign this week to close entrances to abandoned mines in North Idaho. The mines are dangerous to adventurous people because of the potential for falling rock and lethal gases.

However, some of the mines are important sanctuaries for bats, including the endangered Townsend bat. That’s why eight of the first 10 mine shafts to be closed near Clark Fork will be blocked in a manner that prohibits entry by people but allows the bats to come and go.

The other two mines on the initial hit list will be blasted shut because they contain explosive residues and offer little potential for bat habitat, forest officials said.

A thousand or more abandoned mines dot the North Idaho mountains, and each is a potential killer, said Dave Wright, forest supervisor in Coeur d’Alene.

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