Wildlife

Wild Bat White-Nose Syndrome Threat

White-nose syndrome has devastated North American bat populations and threatens to reach Europe, representing a serious welfare and conservation emergency.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans
The disease has killed over 6.7 million bats in North America since 2006
Affected bats are roused from hibernation repeatedly, depleting fat reserves
Some North American populations have declined by 90-100% in affected areas
P. destructans is present in European bat populations but causes less mortality, suggesting genetic resistance

Welfare Considerations

White-nose syndrome causes prolonged suffering through repeated arousal from hibernation and starvation. Understanding the European resistance mechanism is a global conservation priority.

What You Can Do

Never enter bat hibernation sites, as disturbance worsens white-nose impacts
Support bat conservation charities funding white-nose syndrome research
Report unusual bat mortality or winter activity to the Bat Conservation Trust