BC Bats show no sign of infection from White-nose Syndrome

First detected in New York State in 2006, the disease continues to spread, with detections in northwestern and central Washington and south-central Alberta. The fungus does not cause disease in humans or pets, but WNS has devastated North American bat populations. The fungus attacks bats while they are hibernating, growing on their faces to give the appearance of a white nose. Bats often wake to clean the fungus from their skin, which uses valuable energy. Eventually, the bats die from starvation.

“Across North America, millions of bats have been killed, and seven of our 15 BC species could be severely affected by the disease,” says Watters. The Little Brown Myotis and the Northern Myotis are listed as Endangered in Canada due to WNS. Though there is not yet a proven cure for WNS, several promising treatment options are being developed, and it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this wildlife health crisis.

If you find a dead bat or have sightings of winter bat activity, please report to the BC Community Bat Programs online at www.bcbats.ca, via email at omineca@bcbats.ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287 ext. 26. All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo and report it to the BC Community Bat Programs.

If you must move a bat, visit www.bcbats.ca for advice and never touch a bat with your bare hands.

Bats are essential to BC’s ecosystems and provide a huge economic benefit by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests,” says Watters.

You can learn more about the BC Community Bat Programs and options for helping local bat populations at www.bcbats.ca, omineca@bcbats.ca, or 1-855-922-2287, ext. 26.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

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by Dave Branco

BC Bats show no sign of infection from White-nose Syndrome

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