White-Nose Syndrome Threatens Bat Populations Across North America

by Aubrey Bevenue, age 13

White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that is killing bats across North America, leading to the endangerment of multiple bat species. This disease was found in New York in 2006 and has spread to most of the U.S. and Canadian Provinces.

The white-nosed syndrome (WNS) is a disease found on bats' noses, which causes them to have difficulties throughout life. It affects the way they hibernate, fly, exchange heat and maintain blood circulation.

Typically, bats hibernate all winter long and do not need to eat during this time. However, with the disease, bats tend to wake up more frequently and may need to consume more food. Bats primarily eat insects, but during winter, these food sources become scarce leading to starvation or unnecessary energy expenditure for hunting. Over time, their fat reserves are used up, which causes them to starve to death before spring.

Due to habitat loss, bats are starting to hibernate in abnormal places. They seek out dark and quiet spaces and stay in hibernation. While they hibernate, staying away from them is recommended. Bats' habitats are slowly being taken down, like trees, old buildings, and forests. Bats put on almost 25 percent of their body weight in the fall to survive 6-8 months without eating during the winter. While they are hibernating, they normally wake up once every two to three weeks, but with the disease, they wake up every two to three days.

Around 80 percent or more bats have died because of this disease along with other factors such as habitat loss. However, in the last three years, their population grew up to 50 percent which is a sign of hope that their population will continue to grow throughout the years.

WNS is caused by a fungus that spreads from bat to bat. However, this disease cannot be fully spread to humans unless one comes in direct contact with a bat. The disease is characterized by white spots on bats' noses and wings.

White-nose syndrome in bats is a devastating disease that has caused significant declines in ba populations across the country. Despite efforts to mitigate its spread and impact, WNS continues to threaten bat species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and research. Protecting bat populations is crucial as these creatures play an important role in ecosystem management.

[Sources: Wisconsin Public Radio; National Park Service]