White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease that affects bats, has been detected for the first time in San Juan County, Washington. Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey identified the presence of the fungus that causes WNS in three bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park. The infected bats are part of a Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) colony living in a bat box at English Camp.
WNS is a devastating disease that has decimated bat populations across North America. It’s caused by a fungus that grows on the noses, wings, and ears of bats during hibernation. The disease disrupts their hibernation, causing them to wake up frequently and burn through their fat reserves, which often leads to starvation and death.
This detection marks the first documented case of WNS in San Juan County. The National Park Service is actively monitoring the situation and is working closely with other wildlife agencies to manage the disease and its impact on bat populations. The discovery of WNS in San Juan Island National Historical Park underscores the importance of ongoing research and monitoring efforts to protect and conserve bat populations across the country.