White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fatal disease of hibernating bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd for short). The fungus infects bats while they are hibernating over winter. Researchers first discovered the disease in New York in the winter of 2006. Since then, it has spread across much of the United States and Canada, killing millions of bats—up to 99% of some bat colonies. The National Park Service works with many other state and federal agencies, tribes, universities, and conservation organizations who are part of the White-nose Syndrome Response Team to learn more about the fatal disease and how to reduce impacts to bats.
Learn more about White-nose syndrome in the following articles or discover more by watching videos on white-nose syndrome and bat research.
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Loading results...
White-nose syndrome kills bats in North America and is potentially spread by humans.
Agencies and organizations are working together to help bats and educate people about WNS. Individuals can take a few steps to help bats as well, especially to stop the human spread of the fungus that causes WNS. It is important for park visitors to follow the directions of park personnel to stay out of closed caves and to decontaminate their caving gear.
The National Park Service’s mission includes preserving park resources, which include bats and their habitats. Bats live in trees, caves, or mines, so many of our national parks contain potential places for bats to live. Scientists in many parks across the U.S. are actively involved in learning more about the disease and how to protect bats.
- Sites: Mojave Desert Inventory & Monitoring Network, Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network, Acadia National Park, Catoctin Mountain Park, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, more »
Bats are amazing animals and a formidable force against insect pests, but a nasty fungal disease is killing them. A coordinated national response brings hope.
Bats help keep our ecosystems healthy, but they need our help. A deadly fungal disease, white-nose syndrome, poses a real danger to our night-flying friends. Find out what precautions you can take when you visit places where bats hang out.
Last updated: November 1, 2024