Bat populations in Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and other states are facing significant declines due to the rapid spread of the deadly white-noise syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats since its discovery in 2006.
European and Asian bats seem immune to the fungus due to co-evolution, while some North American species have already lost over 90% of their population.
The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which causes WNS, has been confirmed in various locations across North America, including Boulder Cave in Yakima County, Washington and Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, threatening bat populations.
Researchers are studying migration patterns and genetics of endangered little brown bats and other species to understand the impact of WNS, which infects bats during hibernation, leading to excessive grooming, fat depletion and starvation.
Wildlife officials are warning people to prevent the spread of the fungus, which can be transmitted through clothing, equipment and direct contact with bats.
Researchers are testing various strategies to combat WNS, including spraying bat roosts, manipulating airflow and developing a vaccine.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: yakimaherald.com, theconversation.com, currentargus.com, lakechelannow.com, aol.com, co.nz, whidbeynewstimes.com, latestly.com, devdiscourse.com, sentinelcolorado.com, bayjournal.com, regina.ctvnews.ca, bcbats.ca, lehighvalleylive.com