A deadly fungus known as white-nose syndrome continues to spread in Alberta, having been detected in the Rocky Mountains for the first time. The disease, which first appeared in Alberta in 2024, has already led to the deaths of over 6.7 million bats across North America since its discovery in 2006. White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus that infects bats during hibernation, prompting them to awaken prematurely, leading to starvation and dehydration. Recent surveys have confirmed the presence of the disease in three caves in Alberta, prompting the provincial government to close certain caves to the public. Bat populations in Alberta are facing a significant decline, with estimates showing an 80 percent decrease last year.
Why It Matters
White-nose syndrome has impacted bat populations across Canada and the United States, with the disease affecting every Canadian province except British Columbia. The federal government considers two species of bat in Alberta, the little brown bat and northern myotis, as endangered due to this disease. Efforts to mitigate the impact of white-nose syndrome include the use of probiotics to promote health in bat populations and ongoing monitoring of their condition. Historical data indicates that bat populations in regions previously affected by the disease have seen declines of up to 95 percent, underscoring the critical need for conservation efforts.
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