Bats and Bugs Conspiring To Create Wildfire Hazard in Napeague

New York State has been blocked from cutting down trees infested with southern pine beetles this summer by concerns about the potential for harming northern long eared bats, a newly designated endangered species that has been known to live in the region. But the stands of dead trees have spiked fears of a potential wildfire growing out of control. MICHAEL WRIGHT

New York State has been blocked from cutting down trees infested with southern pine beetles this summer by concerns about the potential for harming northern long eared bats, a newly designated endangered species that has been known to live in the region. But the stands of dead trees have spiked fears of a potential wildfire growing out of control. MICHAEL WRIGHT

New York State has been blocked from cutting down trees infested with southern pine beetles in Napeague State Park this summer by concerns about the potential for harming northern long eared bats, a newly designated endangered species that has been known to live in the region. But the stands of dead trees have spiked fears of a potential wildfire growing out of control. MICHAEL WRIGHT