Wildlife Disease

White-Nose Syndrome and Bat Welfare

White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease devastating North American bat populations, is one of the most significant wildlife disease events in recorded history.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome has killed over 6 million bats in North America since 2006
The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans disrupts bat torpor during hibernation
Some species like the northern long-eared bat have declined by over 99%
The disease is spreading westward, threatening bat populations that have never encountered it
Bats provide billions of dollars of pest control services to agriculture annually

Welfare Considerations

Bats with white-nose syndrome wake repeatedly during hibernation, depleting fat reserves and causing starvation. Infected animals emerge in winter, fly during the day when disoriented, and show erosion of wing membranes. Death is prolonged and distressing. The speed of spread and severity of mortality are exceptional. Research into vaccines and antifungal treatments is underway but remains experimental.

What You Can Do

Never enter caves with signs of white-nose syndrome without decontamination
Install bat boxes to provide alternative roost sites
Support the North American Bat Conservation Alliance and White-Nose Syndrome response efforts
Report bat die-offs to local wildlife authorities
Advocate for continued funding of white-nose syndrome research