Deadly bat fungal disease

Photo: BC Community Bat Program

A worrisome fungal disease that has killed millions of bats is getting close to B.C.

White Nose Syndrome has reportedly moved to the west coast and has a near 100 per cent mortality for bats exposed to the fungus.

“We knew this deadly fungus was moving westward across North America,” said Mandy Kellner, coordinator of the BC Community Bat Program. “But we thought we had many years to prepare.”

The disease has been confirmed near Seattle in March 2016.

One of the first signs of the disease is a bat flying during the winter, an unusual sight, as they are normally hibernating at that time.

“We are encouraging the public to report dead bats or any sightings of winter bat activity to the Community Bat Project toll-free phone number, website, or email,” said Kellner.

Dead bats will be collected and tested for WNS.

There is currently no treatment for WNS but the BC Community Bat Program said that mitigating other threats to bat population and preserving bat habitats may provide bats the ability to rebound.

WNS does not affect humans, according to the BC Community Bat Program.

Unusual bat behaviour or dead bats can be reported to 1-855-922-2287 ext. 13 or [email protected].