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AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A bill that proposes to add two bat species that have been severely reduced by white nose syndrome to Maine's endangered species list will be the subject of a public hearing in April.
The state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife wants to add the northern long-eared bat and little brown bat to the list. Wildlife officials said last year that cave counts of the species showed nearly 90 percent declines. The eastern small-footed bat is also being proposed for the state's threatened species list.
White nose syndrome is a disease caused by a fungus that interrupts bat hibernation. That robs them of energy and stored fat. It has been identified in many states.
The hearing is set for 1 p.m. on April 1 in the Cross Building in Augusta.
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