Parks Canada personnel are actively engaged in combatting white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal infection threatening Alberta’s bat population. Nina Veselka, a biologist with Parks Canada, witnessed the detrimental effects of the infection in a Jasper National Park cave where bats were struggling to survive.
The fungus, which thrives in cold, damp environments like bat caves, manifests as a fuzzy, white growth on bats’ snouts and wings. Afflicted bats are forced out of hibernation, depleting their fat reserves and exposing them to the risk of starvation.
During a recent survey, nearly a dozen dead bats were discovered at the entrance of a Jasper National Park cave, indicating a severe impact on the hibernating bat colony. The infection has been detected in multiple caves in Alberta, including Cadomin, the largest known hibernation site for bats in the province.
To combat the spread of the fungus, crews are strategically dispersing probiotics containing four bacterial strains known to inhibit fungal growth. The probiotics are applied at bat roosts to hinder the spread of white-nose syndrome.
Despite the challenges posed by the disease, efforts to treat affected sites in Alberta are underway. Preventive measures are being implemented in British Columbia to safeguard against the spread of the infection. While there is no definitive solution to eradicate the fungus, ongoing research and proactive measures offer a glimmer of hope for protecting bat populations and mitigating the ecological impact of white-nose syndrome.
