White-Nose Syndrome in North American Bats

White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has killed over 90% of some North American bat species, representing one of the worst wildlife disease events recorded.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome has killed an estimated 6.7 million bats since first detected in 2006
Little brown myotis populations have declined by over 90% in affected areas
The fungus grows on hibernating bats during winter, disrupting hibernation and causing starvation
The disease has spread to 38 US states and 7 Canadian provinces since 2006

Welfare Considerations

White-nose syndrome causes individual suffering through disrupted hibernation cycles, dehydration, starvation, and death. Affected bats wake repeatedly during hibernation, burning fat reserves, and emerge early in winter before insect prey are available. Research into probiotic treatments, UV light exposure of hibernacula, and genetic resistance has shown some promise. The ecological consequences of bat population collapse extend to agricultural pest control and plant pollination services.

What You Can Do

Support bat conservation organisations researching white-nose syndrome treatments
Never enter bat hibernation caves that have not been approved for access
Report unusual bat activity in winter to wildlife authorities
Support habitat protection for the forest species most affected by white-nose syndrome