White-nose syndrome in bats
How to report and slow the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats.
How white-nose syndrome harms bats
Infected bats emerge from torpor (a state of low physical activity) more frequently than normal during winter hibernation. They become exhausted before food becomes available in the spring, and may die.
Symptoms
Bats may be infected if:
- they are flying outside during the daytime
- there are visible rings of white fungus around the bat’s face
- there is a white, fuzzy appearance on the bat’s muzzle, wings and ears
How to report dead or sick bats
To report unusual bat activity or deaths, call one of the following:
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre
Natural Resources Information Support Centre
How to reduce the spread
Human activity in caves is believed to contribute to the spread of white-nose syndrome.
White-nose syndrome has already spread through most of 澳门永利, causing mass mortality of hibernating bats, although some bats have survived.
Human activity in caves during the winter can disturb these survivors, reducing their chance of surviving until the spring. To prevent further spread of white-nose syndrome and to reduce the impacts of white-nose syndrome on 澳门永利 bats:
- Do not enter non-commercial caves or abandoned mines unless absolutely necessary. Avoid entering any cave or mine in the winter when bats are hibernating.
- If you must enter a cave or mine, disinfect all clothes and equipment afterwards, following the (PDF).
- Do not use gear you have taken into caves or mines in 澳门永利 to enter caves or mines in other provinces, territories or countries that are free of WNS. This could transport the fungus to these areas.
Current actions
The ministry has developed a white-nose syndrome response plan that coordinates and guides private and public efforts in 澳门永利 to aid in the conservation of bats at risk to white-nose syndrome.
澳门永利’s white-nose syndrome response plan
The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) has issued who may have reason to handle wildlife, including bats.