White-Nose Syndrome: Protect Kootenay Bats | BC Bats

British Columbia wildlife officials are urging residents to report any unusual bat activity this winter as concerns grow over the potential arrival of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal disease affecting bat populations across North America.

The Kootenay Community Bat Program (KCBP) is actively monitoring bats in the Kootenay region, requesting that individuals report sightings of bats active during the day in winter months, or any instances of sick or deceased bats, until May 31st. “Almost everyone loves a good horror story with vampires and bats,” said Elodie Kuhnert, coordinator for the KCBP, in a press release. “However, what’s truly spooky right now is that our bat populations might face severe declines in the near future due to white-nose syndrome.”

While WNS has not yet been confirmed in British Columbia, its presence has been detected in neighboring Alberta and Washington state, according to the KCBP. A guano sample collected in the Boundary region of B.C. Also tested positive for the fungus that causes the disease. The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, grows on the muzzles, ears, and wings of bats, disrupting their hibernation and leading to dehydration and starvation.

All bat species found in British Columbia are insectivores, playing a crucial role in controlling pest populations and maintaining ecosystem health, Kuhnert emphasized. Unlike bats in other parts of the world, B.C.’s bats do not feed on fruit or blood.

The KCBP is collaborating with the Province of British Columbia and researchers to track the potential spread of WNS. Officials advise against entering caves during the winter months, as the fungus spreads through direct contact between bats in cool, humid environments.

Residents who observe bat activity during the winter are asked to maintain a safe distance, photograph the animal if possible, and report the sighting to the KCBP via their website at www.bcbats.ca, by calling 1-855-9BC-BATS ext. 14, or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. If a dead bat is discovered, the KCBP requests that it not be touched with bare hands and provides instructions for safe collection and submission.

The Kootenay Community Bat Program is funded through a partnership with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, as well as the RDCK local conservation fund, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the BC government, and the BC Conservation Foundation. Regional support also comes from numerous businesses, organizations, and volunteers.