Fungus Killing Hibernating Bats

Feb 6, 2018 | 9:30 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — White Nose Syndrome is a fungus that’s killing bats across North America. With a recent confirmed case in Washington state, the BC Community Bat program is reaching out to the public for help in reporting dead or sick bats. The group would like more information about bat population and health before the fungus can make its way into the province. 
According to Brian Paterson, a member of the BC Community Bat program says the fungus can kill hibernating bats by forcing them to wake up and use energy to remove the fungus from its bodies. That wasted energy uses up stored energy that’s needed to survive the winter season.   
If you find a dead bat, wrap with a paper towel and place in a plastic ziplock bag. Contact the BC Community Bat Program immediately. Store the bat in a refrigerate or freeze it if it will be longer than 48 hours before the bat is picked up. 
White Nose Syndrome is a fungus that is not harmful to humans.