On June 3, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service（USFWS）announced that it would protect the tricolored bats. The animal would be listed under the Endangered Species Act. This follows a similar announcement, made in March, to protect the endangered northern long-eared bats. The two kinds of bats are in danger, mainly because of an illness called white-nose syndrome（综合症）.
"Bats play such an important role in keeping a healthy ecosystem." USFWS director Martha Williams said. "But white-nose syndrome is destroying bats." she added.
White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus（真菌）. It is known to influence only bats, showing up on the animal's nose and wings. The fungus grows in places that are cold, dark, and wet, like caves. As it hurts a bat's skin, the animal's behavior starts to change. The bat becomes more active than normal, wasting the energy it needs to live.
Worldwide, there are more than 1, 400 kinds of bats. Most bats are insectivores, which means they eat insects. In a single night, bats can eat insects of "up to half their weight." This is good news for farmers, since bats eat insects that harm crops. According to the USFWS, the animals help U.S. farmers save more than $3 billion a year in insect control.
Nowadays there is no treatment for white-nose syndrome. But scientists are developing ways to help bats. A 2018 study found that a special light can kill the fungus. Researchers are also testing a fungus-fighting thing that can be placed around areas where bats live. And they're working on a vaccine（疫苗）. Local villagers also provide suggestions. One example: set bat boxes. The USFWS says it will announce a decision about how to list the tricolored bats by late 2023. A decision about the northern long-eared bats is expected next month.
