Federal wildlife officials are hosting a series of information sessions about a proposal to list a type of bat as endangered after a disease found in Alabama wiped out part of the species.
Officials say they're looking to list the long-eared bat as an endangered species because of white-nose syndrome. The disease has killed millions of cave-dwelling bats and has been tracked to Alabama, at least 24 other states and parts of Canada.
Wildlife officials have said a sharp decrease in the bat population could lead to an increase in the types of pests they prey on, among other things.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it's planning to host information sessions on Aug. 19-21.