What causes the white-nose syndrome?
Christopher Martinez
Published May 05, 2026
What causes the white-nose syndrome?
White-nose syndrome is the result of a fungus called Pseudogymnoascus destructans that invades and ingests the skin of hibernating bats, including their wings. It causes bats to wake up more frequently during the winter, using up their limited fat reserves very rapidly.
What is the problem with white-nose syndrome?
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease that affects hibernating bats. It was first discovered in New York in 2006 and has since spread across the nation. WNS is caused by a fungus and often develops on the bats’ muzzle and is white in color. WNS has resulted in the death of millions of bats.
How can you prevent white-nose syndrome from spreading?
In/near bat habitat (caves, abandoned mines, etc.)
- Avoid possible spread of WNS by humans by cleaning shoes and gear before and after entering caves.
- Leave bats alone.
- Obey signs: Don’t enter closed or gated caves.
- Attend educational programs and volunteer opportunities in visitor centers.
How does white-nose syndrome spread?
Scientists believe that White-nose Syndrome is transmitted primarily from bat to bat. There is a strong possibility that it may also be transmitted by humans inadvertently carrying the fungus from cave to cave on their clothing and gear.
How common is white-nose syndrome?
White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 37 states and seven Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease.
How can you prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome?
In/near bat habitat (caves, abandoned mines, etc.)
- Avoid possible spread of WNS by humans by cleaning shoes and gear before and after entering caves.
- Leave bats alone.
- Obey signs: Don’t enter closed or gated caves.
- Attend educational programs and volunteer opportunities in visitor centers.
What temperature can bats survive?
35-40 degrees Fahrenheit
What temperatures can bats withstand? Bats require specific temperatures for hibernation ranging from 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Big Brown bats have figured out that attics can provide the perfect temperature for survival and have adapted to hibernating in attics rather than caves.
What animals does white-nose syndrome affect?
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America.
Is white-nose syndrome contagious to humans?
Current evidence indicates that WNS is not transmissible from bats to humans. Studies have shown that the fungus grows only at cold temperatures (41-68 degrees F) that are much lower than that of the human body. Also, no human infections have ever been documented after exposure to WNS-infected bats or caves.
What dog breeds have pink noses?
1) Doberman Pinscher. The first breed of dog that we are looking at is the Doberman Pinscher. 2) Golden Retriever. The second dog breed that might have a rosy nose is the Golden Retriever. 3) Irish Setter. The third pink-nosed dog breed is the setter from the Irish lands. 4) English Pointer. 5) Poodle. 6) Samoyed. 7) White German Shepherd.
Is Vaseline good for dogs nose?
There’s a far safer and more effective option than Vaseline to treat all the above and more. Meet Snout Soother, the all-natural dog nose balm specially formulated to soothe, heal and prevent some of the most common dog nose problems, from dry noses to discoid lupus.
What is red spot on dogs nose?
‘Kennel nose’ common when dogs board. Answer: It is very common for dogs to get a red raw spot on their nose when boarding. It is so common that it is called “kennel nose”! This can happen at five-star doggie resorts. Here is why: Dogs live by instincts! The canine instinct mode kicks into high gear when they are away from home.