B.C. ecologists brace for spread of fungal disease that has eradicated bat populations across North America

Province said it first detected fungus associated with white-nose syndrome on bats in Grand Forks, B.C.

CBC News · Posted: Apr 09, 2023

"White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats across North America since first appearing in North America in New York State, probably through shipping. It's spread mostly bat-to-bat, although humans can play a role by carrying spores on their clothes or gear.

"In light of the risks around white-nose syndrome, the program has been asking British Columbians to report a dead or sick bat on its website or via email at info@bcbats.ca or call 1-855-922-2287.

"During the white-nose syndrome period from Nov. 1 to May 31, the program recommends people not touch a dead bat with bare hands but instead collect it by wrapping it with a paper towel and putting it into a zip lock bag,

"The program also recommends refrigerating or freezing the specimen if it takes more than 48 hours for a program co-ordinator to pick it up."
#BritishColumbia #Bats #WNS #WhiteNoseSyndrome #GrandForksBC #Spelunking #WorldBatAppreciationDay

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/white-nose-syndrome-report-dead-bats-1.6803227