Deadly Fungus Spreads: White-Nose Syndrome Threatens Alberta Bats

Deadly Bat Disease Spreads to Rocky Mountains, Threatening Alberta Populations

White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease devastating bat populations across North America, has been detected for the first time in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, marking a significant expansion of the outbreak within the province. The discovery, confirmed in surveys conducted this year, indicates the disease is spreading beyond its initial foothold in southeastern Alberta, where it was first identified in 2022 with symptomatic cases appearing in 2024.

More than 6.7 million bats have died across North America since the disease was first detected in 2006, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. White-nose syndrome doesn’t directly kill bats, but rather disrupts their hibernation, forcing them to awaken frequently and expend crucial energy reserves, leading to starvation and dehydration. The fungus infects the skin of bats during hibernation, and the disease has proven particularly lethal to species that rely on caves for overwintering.

The spread to the Rocky Mountains is particularly concerning, according to Lisa Wilkinson, provincial bat specialist with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. “It’s not good news,” she stated. Recent population surveys in Alberta bat habitats have already revealed an estimated 80% decline in bat numbers, foreshadowing potential losses mirroring those seen in eastern North America, where declines of 90% or more have been documented.

The province has been proactively responding to the threat. Since 2010, caves in Camodin and Wapiabi, previously popular with cavers, have been closed to the public in an attempt to limit the spread of the fungus. Researchers are deliberately keeping the location of a third affected cave undisclosed to further discourage visitation. Beyond restricting access, Alberta is also pioneering a novel approach to combatting the disease: a probiotic treatment.

Last year, 18 bat houses in southern Alberta were sprayed with a probiotic cocktail, aiming to prevent the fungus from taking hold. Early results are promising, with lower levels of the fungus detected on treated bats and evidence suggesting the bats themselves are spreading the probiotic to others. While a cure or eradication isn’t currently feasible, Wilkinson emphasizes that these efforts are focused on mitigating the disease’s impact. “You can’t stop the spread of the disease…so all the efforts are small scale to help reduce the impact of this disease,” she explained.

Alberta is home to nine bat species, with three migrating south for the winter and remaining unaffected by white-nose syndrome. However, the six species that hibernate within the province are all vulnerable. The little brown bat and northern myotis, both federally endangered, are particularly at risk. The disease’s impact is expected to be widespread across these hibernating species.

The Wildlife Conservation Society Canada’s Alberta Community Bat Program is encouraging public involvement in conservation efforts. Residents can report bat sightings and submit guano samples for species identification, providing valuable data for monitoring populations and targeting treatment efforts. Cory Olson, coordinator of the program, stresses the importance of shifting public perception of bats. “We have to have people appreciating bats and wanting to keep them in their community,” he said, highlighting the need to dispel common myths and foster a more positive attitude towards these vital creatures.

While the situation is dire, Wilkinson remains cautiously optimistic. “If we can get a few more bats to survive through the hibernation period without developing the disease…we’re going to help reduce the impact of this disease and the population decline.” The coming months will be critical as researchers continue to monitor bat populations, assess the effectiveness of the probiotic treatment, and work to protect these vulnerable animals from further losses.