Threats to Bats
White Nose Syndrome
White Nose Syndrome is a fuzzy white fungus that appears on the nose, ears, tail membranes, feet and wings of hibernating bats in caves. It is believed to have originated in Europe and was first found in upper state New York in 2006/2007. It has since spread along the eastern coast of North America and has killed over 6 million bats. Bats are affected by a white substance on their nose which gives it the name “white nose syndrome.”
The fungal growth, Geomyces destructans (Pd), is associated with cool, damp conditions. Many caves offer the perfect environment for the fungus which grows around temperatures of 41-57 degrees Fahrenheit. The bats become the hosts for this fungus to grow.
These causes the bats to wake more than usual from hibernation and fly around during winter and day hours. The energy levels of the bats become depleted due to the fact that they cannot be replenished. This in turn can cause the bat to die to lack of energy or food.
It can spread a few ways. The disease can be transmitted from bat to bat and bats are known to hibernate in clusters. It can also be spread by humans by contaminated clothing or equipment and spread from one cave to another. This is why it is critical to stay out of caves. If you would like to find more ways that you may help, check out White Nose Syndrome site.
White Nose Syndrome originated in Europe but the bats in Europe have adjusted to the disease. Check out these sites if interested in reading more. One - Two - Three - Four
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Read more on White Nose Syndrome
Cave in Southeast Minnesota sees another dramatic decline in Bat Population (2019)
Fungus Causing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats Continues to Spread in Texas (2019)
How To Restore WNS - Depleted Bat Populations (2017)
How a Deadly Flesh-Eating Fungus Helped Make Bats Cute Again
Predicting the impacts of white-nose syndrome in bats
Recent Breakthroughs
A new spray may help treat the deadly white-nose syndrome
Gene changes may save some bats from white-nose syndrome
Solution proposed to fight bat disease threat
Spraying bats with ‘good’ bacteria may combat deadly white nose syndrome
Vaccination May Help Protect Bats from Deadly Disease
New treatment offers hope for bats battling white nose syndrome
Bats are making a comeback, and that will mean fewer mosquitoes. Here's how you can help
Notes from Merlin Tuttle (Ecologist)
WNS: Can a Cure Be Effective?
White-Nose Syndrome
Wind Turbines
Bats and birds are killed around the world due to wind turbines. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands die annually just in United States. Some bats hibernate (hibernacula) and others migrate to warmer areas during the cold months. There are a few different methods how wind turbines take the lives of bats. They collide with the blades which causes death to bats. The area around the turbines are low in pressure and this causes their lungs to expand too fast causing death. Currently there are studies where sound is emitted near the wind turbines that will deter the bat from approaching it.
Additional reading
Are wind farms in Hawaii hurting or helping the native bat population
Bat Killings by Wind Energy Turbines Continue
Expert Discusses Endangered Bat Population
Green Energy Policies That Kill Bats
Hoary bat numbers decline amid wind turbine expansion
University study says wind turbines threaten migrating bats
Wind Turbines Kill Bats - Mosquito Disease Encephalitis Increased
Loss of Habitat
As long as the world population increases, the demand for urbanization while increase. It is devastating at the amount of forests and wilderness we are destroying annually. When this happens, the wildlife have no where to go. This creates a loss in animal populations and can lead to extinctions. It is up to us to help preserve what we have left and you8 can also create habitats on your own property. Check out my page, "How To Help" where ideas are shared on how to create habitats for bats and other wildlife.
Take part of what is going on in your community and ask that bat houses be installed at new parks, designs of bridges/building provide homes for bats and trees are planted where they are lacking.
Additional reading
Bats turn up dead on I-35 in Round Rock, some blame new off-ramp
Threats to Bats
Glue traps are used to catch rodents but they also become death traps for other animals such as bats, frogs, lizards, birds and other small animals. Even for a rodent, this is a cruel way to die and there are more humane and safer means to get rid of the pests. We need to come together and ban the use of these traps today. Please stop purchasing glue traps and end the agonizing death of these animals. If you find an animal stuck to a glue trap, you can carefully remove it but make sure to wear gloves. Read more ...
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Pesticides, Herbicides and other Toxins
Whatever we put into the environment will effect the wildlife. Using pesticides kills the insects which are needed as food for bats, birds and other animals. When an animal consumes insects or plants that contains these toxins, it is now inside the animal. For example, a bat consumes insects that has some form of toxin now enters the bat's system. A bat may consume several thousand which increases the levels of toxins. The same goes for plants and flowers. The best way to control insects is to protect the animals that prey upon the insects. Bats and birds will eat the insects that carry diseases, destroy agricultural crops or jut those annoying evening insects.
Additional reading
Bats and Insecticides
Help the bats, says the Canadian Wildlife Federation
Predators
There are animals which prey upon bats. A lot depends on their geographical area but some of the basics are cats, dogs, snakes, weasels, birds and raccoons. If you have bat roosts in your yard, do your best to protect them from predators. Bats will relocate if they feel threatened from animals or people.
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Histoplasmosis
This is more of a threat to humans than bats. It is a fungal disease that manifests with respiratory symptoms by inhalation of the spores of Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungi requires warm, humid conditions for growth and can be found in bird and bat droppings such as in caves and buildings such as the attic. Humans can occur health issue from inhalation of these spores. If you have bats in your attic, it is best to have them removed by a professional and the droppings cleaned up. Stay out of caves as you can also breathe in the spores from caves occupied by bats.
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Hurricanes
Severe weather causes mass destruction to human habitats but it does not stop there. Hurricanes can quickly wipe out habitats for bats such as trees and other roosting sites. In addition to the habitats, it also takes the lives of many bats.
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Humans, their actions and pets
This one can overlap with loss of habitat because they both are from the actions of humans. But here i will explain more about of actions in our homes and yard. Bats can become victims to swimming pools, pups may fall out of nests onto the ground or one may become injured due to a local dog or cat.
Their is nothing wrong with having the luxuries of home living but we need to be more aware of what can potentially become a hazard for adult or young bats. cats love to climb trees so if you notice a bat roost in one of your trees, try to make that tree less attractive to the cat. Install a fence around tree to keep dogs and cats away from tree, especially in the spring during breeding season. There are so many different ways to help protect the bats in your yard that the ideas are endless.
The bats will reward you by keeping those pesky bug levels down.
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