Summary

• The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been recently detected in a bat guano (droppings) sample collected in the Metro Vancouver area
• Only the fungus has been detected in guano samples, but no bats in B.C. have been confirmed to have white-nose syndrome
• The Province continues monitoring bat populations and encourages the public to report bat roosts, unusual bat behaviour and dead bats

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The fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome in North American bats has been detected in a bat guano (droppings) sample collected in the Metro Vancouver area.

The fungus was first identified in B.C. in guano found in the Grand Forks area in 2022.

White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that disrupts bats’ winter hibernation. Infected bats wake more often and use up the energy they need to survive the winter, leading to starvation and death.

While this is B.C.’s second detection of the fungus in guano samples, there have still been no confirmed cases of white-nose syndrome in bats in B.C.

Monitoring and reducing the risk of spread

White-nose disease has had devastating impacts on bat populations east of the Rocky Mountains and has contributed to three Canadian bat species being listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act.

Bats play an important role in ecosystems. They eat large numbers of insects, including pests that affect crops and forests, and their loss could lead to significant ecological and economic impacts.

Protecting bats supports broader efforts to conserve wildlife and maintain healthy ecosystems in B.C.

The fungus spreads mainly through contact between bats. The fungus doesn’t affect humans, but people may spread fungal spores through the movement of contaminated clothing and gear, or the accidental translocation of bats.

There is currently no cure or treatment for white-nose syndrome in wild bats; however, this is an area of active research.

Wildlife staff and project partners continue to work to support healthy, resilient bat populations, monitor bat health and follow disinfection protocols when working around bats to reduce the risk of spreading the fungus.

How the public can help

Members of the public can help support bat conservation by reporting sightings of bat roosts, dead bats or unusual bat activity in winter to the BC Community Bat Program.

People should never touch bats with bare hands and should always seek medical attention immediately if there is contact or suspected contact with a bat.

People interested in helping with bat conservation can also participate in citizen science programs and stewardship efforts through the BC Community Bat Program.

Quick Facts:

• White-nose syndrome was first discovered in New York state in 2006.
• The disease has since spread to 40 U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces.
• In March 2016, officials confirmed the first recorded case of white-nose syndrome in western North America in a dead bat found east of Seattle.
• Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis and Tri-coloured Bats are listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act due to white-nose syndrome.

Learn More:

• For more information and tips about how people can help protect bats in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/bats
• For more information about the BC Community Bat Program, visit: https://bcbats.ca