Wildlife Conservation

White-Nose Syndrome: Catastrophic Disease Killing North American Bats

White-nose syndrome, caused by a fungal pathogen from Europe, has killed more than 90% of some North American bat species since its discovery in 2006.

Key Facts

Caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a fungus that disrupts bat hibernation
Over 7 million bats have died in North America since 2006
Little brown bats and tricolored bats have suffered over 90% population declines
The disease causes bats to arouse from hibernation repeatedly, burning fat reserves and starving
Bat populations cannot recover quickly due to low reproductive rates — usually one pup per year

Welfare Considerations

White-nose syndrome causes prolonged suffering — affected bats repeatedly wake during winter, consuming energy reserves, and ultimately starving or freezing. Infected bats show wing tissue damage and behavioral anomalies. The scale of mortality represents one of the most severe wildlife disease events in recorded history.

What You Can Do

Decontaminate caving gear to prevent spreading fungal spores between caves
Support Bat Conservation International's disease research and mitigation programs
Install bat boxes to provide alternative roosting habitat
Advocate for cave closures during sensitive hibernation periods in affected areas