Ranger district proposes closing caves

TALIHINA, Okla. (AP) -- Some caves along the Talimena Scenic<br>Drive in eastern Oklahoma may be closed to the public to protect an<br>endangered species of bats.<br> <br>The U.S. Forest Service Ranger

Wednesday, October 27th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TALIHINA, Okla. (AP) -- Some caves along the Talimena Scenic
Drive in eastern Oklahoma may be closed to the public to protect an
endangered species of bats.

The U.S. Forest Service Ranger District has proposed closing
Bear Dean Caves and the surrounding five acres to protect Indiana
bats.

The caves are the only known location in the Ouachita National
Forest for the endangered bats.