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USGS: Biology arrow icon Wildlife Home arrow icon White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating affliction, threatening the survival of hibernating bats in North America. WNS spread in the first 3 years since discovery from a very small area of New York across more than 450 miles and 9 states. This page lists USGS and other research activities and publications related to White-Nose Syndrome.

 

 


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Research Highlight

Bat with white-nose syndrome
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) was named for the white fungus around the muzzles, ears, and wing membranes of affected bats. Photo: Meteyer et al. July 2009 [In Press]. JVDI Vol 21 No. 4.

WNS began devastating colonies of hibernating bats in a small area around Albany, New York. Colonies of hibernating bats were reduced 81-97% at the affected caves and mines that were surveyed.  Since then, White-Nose Syndrome has been detected more than 700 kilometers (450 mi) away from the original site, and has infected bats in eight surrounding states.  Most species of bats that hibernate in the region are now known to be affected and little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), northern long-eared bats (M. septentrionalis), and federally listed (endangered) Indiana bats (M. sodalis) have been hit particularly hard.



Websites for additional information:
USGS National Wildlife Health Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bat Conservation International

  
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In the Spotlight


graphite mine bats with white-nose syndrome (WNS)New Web Site on White-Nose Syndrome in Bats - - In response to growing demand for publicly available information on WNS, the USGS Fort Collins Science Center recently developed and launched a Web site entitled, White-Nose Syndrome Threatens the Survival of Hibernating Bats in North America. The site includes current information about the history, suspected dynamics, and possible implications of the disease, highlighting the role of the USGS in response to this wildlife crisis. Check out more information on FORT's WNS website >>

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Page Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Aug-2009 12:41:29 MDT