'What we're trying to look into are other strains of coronavirus that have the potential to jump to humans,' said ecologist Philip Alviola, who has studied bat viruses for more than a decade reut.rs/2OS1z6P by 📷 Eloisa Lopez and Adrian Portugal 1/5 
Researchers wearing headlamps and protective suits race to untangle the claws and wings of bats caught up in a big net after dark in the Philippine province of Laguna 2/5
The researchers call themselves the 'virus hunters,' tasked with catching thousands of bats to develop a simulation model they hope will help the world avoid a pandemic similar to COVID-19 3/5
Beyond work in the laboratory, the research requires lengthy field trips, involving traipsing for hours through thick rainforest and precarious night hikes on mountains covered in rocks, tree roots, mud and moss 4/5
'It's really scary these days … You never know if the bat is already a carrier,' said Edison Cosico.
The bulk of those caught are horseshoe bats known to harbor coronaviruses, including the closest known relative of the novel coronavirus reut.rs/3sjEPuM 5/5
The bulk of those caught are horseshoe bats known to harbor coronaviruses, including the closest known relative of the novel coronavirus reut.rs/3sjEPuM 5/5
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