Giving Bats a Helping Hand
adapted from The National Park Service

Bats play an important role in many ecosystems. They eat insects, pollinate plants, serve as prey, and scatter seeds. However, bat populations across the country are being threatened by a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome (WNS). WNS was introduced to the U.S. from Europe about 10 years ago. Since then, it has wiped out entire colonies at times. National parks across the United States are making the management of bat populations and their habitats a priority. The National Park Service has dedicated $3 million to address WNS-related issues. Park personnel must undertake a variety of tasks to safeguard bats and their habitats from WNS.
"We're excited to see the creative solutions from parks to fight white-nose syndrome," said Margaret Wild, chief veterinarian for the National Park Service. "The rapid spread of WNS and its high mortality are unprecedented in bats, so a multi-pronged approach to manage it is critical."
Park personnel have designed many solutions to combat WNS. Primarily, they regulate human access into caves and abandoned mines and tunnels. Bats use caves for hibernation and maternity roosts. These secured areas provide a safe place for bats to reproduce and raise their young. Park staff at a national park in Maryland used WNS funding to install gates in canal tunnels. The gates allow bats safe passage but keep people out. These gates were necessary after park officials discovered evidence of vandalism at some tunnels. This activity endangers the health and safety of hibernating bats inside.
Researchers have determined that WNS is caused by a particular fungus. People can spread this fungus. Education is the first step to prevent people from spreading this fungus. Several parks have put aside money to develop educational tools. These include programs and materials to explain the effect of WNS, how it spreads, and how people can get involved to help limit WNS and help bats. Park personnel explain the roles bats play in ecosystems. This helps visitors understand why bats and their habitats need to be protected. This strategy encourages visitors to take steps to help prevent human spread of the fungus that causes WNS.
Lava Beds National Monument in California is home to 14 species of bats, including 11 that are subject to WNS. This park is far away from the area affected by WNS; therefore, the biggest threat is the disease will be introduced by people spreading the dreaded fungus. So, the staff dedicated WNS funds to educating, screening and, when necessary, decontaminating clothes and gear from its 130,000 annual visitors.
Park staff, researchers, and volunteers use several methods to survey bat populations in parks. Documenting baseline population numbers allows researchers to determine the full effects of WNS on different species of bats and in different regions. Scientists use the data to identify at-risk populations and refine management plans to better protect them.
These various actions should give the bats the helping hand they need to overcome WNS and continue their important contribution to the ecosystem.

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) Fact Sheet