Sonya Kaloyanides has a bat problem. For months, the wildlife rescuer has had two bats at the South Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the wild animal care facility she runs out of her Maplewood home. Even though one seems perfectly healthy, Kaloyanides cannot release it until she receives a new directive from the state.

Area bats are undergoing a crisis, with New Jersey’s bats dramatically struck down by the disease White Nose Syndrome. Fearing further contagion, New Jersey officials have not yet figured out a protocol for releasing rehabilitated bats. So, for now, the bats remain with Kaloyanides.

White Nose Syndrome is depleting the Northeast bat population, which is bad news for more than just flying mammals. Bats are a crucial part of the local environment; they keep the insect population in check, including mosquitoes and crop-damaging beetles. White Nose Syndrome, which does not affect humans, is especially insidious. It is difficult to diagnose, and even a symptom-free bat can carry the infection. Scientists aren’t certain exactly how the disease kills, but since its arrival in New Jersey in January, bat populations have dropped dramatically.

In the meantime, one thing that anyone can do to help New Jersey’s bats is to participate in the Summer Bat Count, a census sponsored by Conserve Wildlife Foundation to help determine where bats are thriving and where they’re disappearing. For more information on the summer bat count, click here.