White Nose Syndrome-Will Bats Survive?

Indiana Bat

White nose syndrome is a fungal disease that has been found in many North American bat colonies. The fungus grows in cool temperatures when bats are hibernating. It grows on the ears, wings, and muzzles of the bat and cause lesions and rouse them from hibernation. A mortality rate of over 90% in some species have been observed from the spread of WNS.
The Forest Service estimates that the die-off from white-nose syndrome means that at least 2.4 million pounds of bugs will go uneaten and become a financial burden to farmers. Some species of bats may be faced with extinction including the Big Eared Bat and Indiana Bat.

So what can you do to help the spread of White Nose Syndrome? 

• Stay out of affected areas to avoid spreading the spores
• Avoid known hibernation areas
• Report unusual bat behavior (flying during December-March, Struggling to fly, Roosting in sun)
• Minimize outdoor lighting, take care of streams and wetlands
• Construct homes for bats 

With everyone's help we can minimize the spread of this fungus and ensure the future of the bat population!
To learn more about White Nose Syndrome visit www.whitenosesyndrome.org.

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