Fungus threatening B.C. bat colonies

“Over the past 20 years or so, there’s been a fungal disease spreading called white-nose syndrome. And that has devastating consequences for the affected colonies. It can be 80 to 100% mortality rates,” Althammer said.

She points out that the ecological impact goes beyond just bats. “They eat so many insects, so they’re really great pest control for us. But it’s quite devastating when those populations are wiped out that way.”

The BC Community Bat Program monitors roost sites across the province. Most sites in the Prince George region are home to little brown bats, a species listed as endangered under federal law.

The program is looking for volunteers to help with bat counts in June, July, and August. Volunteers visit monitored roosts and count bats as they leave at dusk. This population data helps researchers track long-term trends.

The public is also asked to report any dead or sick bats found between November 1 and May 31, which is the white-nose syndrome surveillance period. If you find a dead bat, do not touch it with your bare hands. Instead, wrap it in a paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag, refrigerate or freeze it, and contact the BC Community Bat Program right away.

The program can be reached toll-free at 1-855-9BC-BATS or at bcbats.ca.

by Dave Branco

Fungus threatening B.C. bat colonies

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