West Virginia Code Chapter 20. Natural Resources § 20-7A-4. Biological policy; penalties for violation

It is unlawful to remove, kill, harm or disturb any plant or animal life found within any cave: Provided, that scientific collecting permits may be obtained from the director as provided in section fifty, article two of this chapter. Gates employed at the entrance or at any point within any cave shall be of open construction to allow free and unimpeded passage of air, insects, bats and aquatic fauna. A person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and in addition thereto, may be imprisoned in the county jail for not less than fifteen days nor more than six months.