Wildlife

Bat Conservation and White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome caused by an introduced fungus has killed over 90% of bats in some North American species, with enormous welfare and ecological consequences.

Key Facts

Pseudogymnoascus destructans was introduced from Europe where bats have evolved resistance
Over 7 million bats have died from white-nose syndrome since its discovery in 2006
Affected bats arouse from hibernation prematurely, depleting fat reserves and causing starvation
Little brown bats, once common, have declined over 90% in many areas since the disease arrived
A single bat eats up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects per hour, providing enormous pest control services

Welfare Considerations

Bats dying from white-nose syndrome experience prolonged starvation as premature arousal from hibernation depletes fat reserves. This is a welfare harm occurring across millions of individuals. The ecological loss of bat populations affects insect-borne disease transmission and agricultural pest control services that indirectly affect human and animal welfare. Protecting remaining unaffected bat populations from the fungus is an urgent conservation priority.

What You Can Do

Follow cave decontamination protocols when visiting bat hibernation sites
Support bat house installation programs that provide alternative roosting habitat
Donate to white-nose syndrome research and bat conservation organizations
Learn about the ecological services provided by bats to appreciate conservation urgency
Oppose unnecessary culling of bats near human structures in favor of exclusion methods