Bat White-Nose Syndrome and North American Crisis

White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has killed an estimated 90% of some North American bat species since its introduction from Europe around 2006.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome has killed an estimated 6 million bats in North America since its first detection in New York in 2006
The little brown bat, once North America's most common bat, has declined by over 90% in affected areas
The fungus infects hibernating bats, causing them to arouse frequently and deplete fat reserves before spring
European bat species are largely resistant to the fungus, having co-evolved with it over thousands of years
Probiotic treatments applied to bat hibernacula are showing promise in clinical and field trials

Welfare Considerations

White-nose syndrome causes a prolonged and ultimately fatal welfare crisis for affected bats. The fungus disrupts hibernation by irritating skin and causing bats to arouse repeatedly during winter, burning through fat reserves needed to survive until spring insects emerge. Starving bats emerge prematurely on cold winter days and die of exposure or starvation. The scale of mortality represents an unprecedented bat welfare emergency, with entire colonial species reduced to small remnant populations. Research into probiotic treatments, antifungals, and breeding programmes for severely affected species represents the most urgent welfare intervention available.

What You Can Do

Support North American bat conservation organisations working on white-nose syndrome treatments and research
Never enter bat hibernacula as human disturbance arouses bats and compounds stress during the winter period
Install bat boxes to provide alternative roost sites and support bat population recovery
Report bat sightings and casualties to national bat recording schemes to support monitoring