One of the largest cave systems in Arkansas is Fitton Cave. Fitton Cave is open to experienced speleologists only, and a permit issued by the park geologist is required before entry. Besides the caves at Lost Valley and the Indian Rockhouse at Buffalo Point, all caves at Buffalo National River are currently closed to the public due to White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that has decimated bat populations in the eastern United States in recent years. White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is caused by a fungus that attacks bats' wings, noses, and ears while they are in hibernation. The white-nose fungus depletes the bats' energy reserves and causes them to prematurely awake from hibernation. Early awakening and excessive movement ultimately lead to the death of most affected bats. The fungus is transferred extremely easily from bat to bat and by clothing and boots that have been exposed to the fungus. This is one reason why most caves and mines at Buffalo National River are closed to the public. To learn more about WNS visit the park's Bats and White-Nose Syndrome page.
[{"cave_systems": "Fitton Cave", "tours_available": "n/a"}]
[{"cave_systems": "n/a", "tours_available": "n/a"}] [{"cave_systems": " Fitton Cave", "tours_available": "no"}] [{"cave_systems": "Fitton Cave", "tours_available": "n/a"}] [{"cave_systems": "Fitton Cave", "tours_available": "n/a"}, {"cave_systems": " Lost Valley ", "tours_available": "n/a"}, {"cave_systems": " Indian Rockhouse at Buffalo Point", "tours_available": "n/a"}] [{"cave_systems": "Fitton Cave", "tours_available": "no"}]