VOA慢速英语 古足印让专家时光倒流

　　Little is known about the sickness. It is called white nose syndrome because of a white-colored fungus found on the faces of affected bats. The fungus seems to grow in cold weather. The affected animals were first observed in two thousand seven in New York State.

　　Scientists believe the disease causes bats to awaken early from their hibernation or yearly rest period. The scientists say the bats then leave their resting places in search of food during the winter when the insects they eat are not available. Without a food supply, the bats starve to death.

　　VOICE TWO:

　　Wildlife officials say white nose syndrome is not a direct threat to other animals or human beings. However, the bats' continuing disappearance could have a far-reaching effect on the environment.

　　Bats have survived for about fifty million years. They eat large amounts of insects, up to twenty-five percent of their body weight in one night's feeding. If fewer bats are available to eat the insects, farmers will have to use more insect-killing chemical products to protect their crops. Diseases that are spread by insects could also become more common.

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