CNHP Zoologists Jeremy Siemers and Rob Schorr have been contracted by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) to survey bat populations in inactive mines. These are mines on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Managment lands, as well as other properties throughout the state that are slated for closure due to public safety concerns. Results from this project will help the DRMS prioritize mines with potential for bat conservation, and will recommend best management practices for closure devices that will have the least impact on resident bat populations while still ensuring public safety.
It’s either the cyclops from Jason and the Argonauts, or CNHP Zoologist Jeremy Siemers entering a cave to look for bats. We’re hoping for Jeremy.