B.C. bats in danger after infectious fungus spotted

The B.C. government is asking people to keep an eye out for unusual bat behaviour, as a fungus known to cause white-nose syndrome has been spotted in the province.

The syndrome has killed “millions of bats in North America,” according to the White-nose Syndrome Response Team’s website, and is “considered one of the worst wildlife diseases in modern times.”

In a news release from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the province says a fungus that causes the syndrome has been detected in the Grand Forks area.

As the name implies, bats often get what appears to be a “white fuzz” on their faces, the response team notes.

According to the B.C. government, this is the first time the fungus that causes the syndrome has been found in the province, but it has been around in the U.S. and Canada for some time.

A chart from the B.C. government on what to do if you find a dead bat. (Courtesy B.C. Government)

The syndrome has spread to eight provinces and 38 states, the government explains, and “is responsible for three Canadian bat species being listed as ‘endangered.'”

“Since the arrival of the fungus on the west coast of the United States in 2016, the Province has been monitoring for its arrival in B.C.” a release reads.

“The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is working with multiple partners to implement enhanced surveillance for the disease, as well as reduce threats to bat habitat. Since bats eat a wide variety of insects and pests, they are essential for keeping B.C.’s ecosystems in balance.”

Although the fungus isn’t dangerous to people, the province says humans can spread it.

“The fungus is primarily spread by bat-to-bat contact. The fungus doesn’t affect humans, but people may spread fungus spores through the movement of contaminated clothing and gear, or through accidental translocation of bats,” the release reads.

If anyone knows a location of winter bat roosting sites, dead bats, or spots unusual behaviors “such as flying during the day,” the province asks to contact the BC Community Bat Program or the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“Because there is currently no proven prevention or treatment for white-nose syndrome, the best approach for bat conservation is the reduction of other threats to support healthy, resilient bat populations as they face this disease. Scientists are working together to better understand bat behavior and habitat use in the winter when bats are most at risk from the fungus,” the release reads.