White Nose Syndrome Bat đź“· Nikki Fox

Bats are in trouble

White-nose syndrome is a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that affects hibernating bats. First detected in 2006, it has now spread to over 38 states causing the deaths of millions of bats. In some cases, mortality rates exceed 90%. The fungus can form as a white fuzz on bats faces, giving the disease its name. There is no known cure for WNS, but research continues in an attempt to mitigate the impact to bat populations.

 

What you can do

The NSS is committed to limiting the impact of White-nose syndrome by educating the public and supporting science through grants and expertise.

As individuals, the number one thing we can do is to properly decontaminate gear. If you have dirty clothing or other gear that has been used in one area of the country, do not travel and use that gear somewhere else without decontaminating.

Resources:

Gear Decontamination
NSS WNS Policy

Why Bats Matter

Often misunderstood, bats play a critical role in their ecosystems. They pollinate plants, disperser seeds, and help control insect populations. When bats suffer, so does the environment.