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Bats are an important part of Wisconsin’s wildlife. But over the last decade, a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has devastated bat populations in the state and across the country. In rural Crawford County, a cave that once was a tourist attraction is now protected by the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. It’s a safe haven for the bats to hibernate and help scientists develop ways to stop the disease. Most of these bats have settled in for the winter. But before they returned, WPR’s Hope Kirwan traveled underground to learn more about Kickapoo Caverns.