Glacier National Park Confirms Its First Case of a Deadly Bat Disease

A little brown bat found dead in Glacier National Park recently tested positive for white-nose syndrome, raising concern among park officials that the disease could spread to other bats in the area. Read on for the details of this disease and why experts are concerned about its spread across the U.S.

White-Nose Syndrome Confirmed in Montana National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed that a bat found dead in Montana's Glacier National Park tested positive for a fatal disease that is caused by a fungus that impacts bats in hibernation. The NPS said that the deceased bat was found in the Saint Mary region of the park.

In addition to the confirmation that the deceased bat had the disease, the fungus that causes the disease was also observed in samples collected from live bats on the eastern edge of the park earlier in the summer. The NPS noted that "These are the first detections of both the fungus and WNS in Glacier National Park and Glacier County."

White-nose syndrome (WNS) wakes up bats as they are hibernating, reducing their fat stores enough that they can starve to death. The fungus generally spreads throughout the bat population through direct contact. However, the fungus can survive underground for years. The NPS explains that the disease is named for the visible white fungal growth that appears on the muzzles and wings of bats when they become infected.

Infected bats also often exhibit erratic behavior. For example, these bats may be observed flying around during the day, during times that they should be hibernating. Other signs of a WNS infection include clusters of dead bats on the ground or groups of them hovering around the hibernation spot entrances.

Ten documented bat species call Glacier National Park home. All of these species feed on the park's insect population and also serve as prey for larger animals. As a crucial part of the park's circle of life, a decline in their population could trigger a ripple effect of consequences across the delicate ecosystem.

Officials at the park are currently researching a potential vaccine that could protect bats from WNS. Biologists have captured and tagged 529 bats at the park over the last few years. About half of these bats were given a vaccine and half were given a placebo. Researchers will now monitor the survival rates as the bats come out of hibernation in the spring.

WNS Across North America

WNS was identified in New York state in 2006. Since that time, the disease has spread across North America, killing roughly 6.7 million bats. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, WNS has been confirmed in 42 U.S. states as well as nine Canadian provinces.

The spread of the disease has been blamed for a large decline in bat populations across the eastern U.S. The numbers of little brown bats, northern long-eared bats, and tri-colored bats have fallen by more than 90% in this part of the U.S. at the hands of WNS. The NPS warns that the decline in bat populations has been so severe that the northern long-eared bat is now listed as endangered, while the tri-colored bat has been proposed for designation under the Endangered Species Act.  

The good news is that humans and pets cannot be infected by WNS. However, people can spread the dangerous fungus on their clothing and shoes, inadvertently spreading it to the bat population.

The NPS advises people to never handle or pick up a bat. The agency said that "After visiting a cave or other bat habitat, decontaminate gear, footwear and clothing by following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decontamination guidance."

Glacier National Park is nestled in the northern Rockies. The park boasts over 700 miles of trails that beckon millions of visitors every year, making it easy for humans to spread the fungus in their travels.

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