CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- There's a new effort under way to find out more about a sickness that's killing thousands of bats across the nation.

Researchers at Austin Peay State University's Center of Excellence for Field Biology are taking part in a state plan to monitor the white-nose syndrome fungus.

Scientists will be listening to bat calls in Montgomery County and the Land Between the Lakes area.

The fungus attacks bats as they roost or hibernate.

Austin Peay's team has already been watching the habits of bats in the Dunbar Cave State Park.