Wildlife

Wild Bat White Nose Syndrome Welfare

White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans has killed millions of North American bats, causing prolonged suffering and catastrophic population collapse.

Key Facts

WNS has killed an estimated 6-7 million bats in North America since its detection in 2006
The fungus invades bat tissue during hibernation causing skin damage and arousal from torpor
Repeated arousal from hibernation depletes energy reserves causing starvation
Little brown bat populations have declined over 90% in affected areas
The disease reached Europe but European bats show resistance developed through co-evolution

Welfare Considerations

WNS causes prolonged suffering from starvation and tissue damage for millions of individual bats. Research into treatment and prevention is urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Support research into WNS treatment and prevention through conservation donations
Follow biosecurity protocols when entering bat caves to prevent fungal spread
Learn about early WNS signs to support monitoring efforts
Advocate for emergency conservation funding for WNS-affected bat species