White-nose syndrome has devastated North American bat populations. Understanding this disease and response efforts helps supporters direct their contributions to high-impact conservation and welfare actions.
White-nose syndrome causes profound suffering at the individual level. Infected bats wake repeatedly from hibernation, experiencing disorientation, energy depletion, and starvation in winter when no food is available. Mass mortality events in caves represent some of the largest wildlife welfare emergencies in North American history. Supporting research into treatments, practicing rigorous cave biosecurity, and protecting remaining bat habitat are the most impactful responses available to individuals.