White Nose Syndrome (WNS)

Something is killing whole populations of bats in the eastern U.S. as they hibernate in caves and mines and it is moving this way!  Bats are losing their fat reserves (which are needed to survive hibernation) long before the winter is over and dying of starvation.  The cause is unknown, but the affliction has been given the name "White Nose Syndrome" (WNS) because of the obvious white fungus growing on the noses of infected bats.  This previously unknown/undiscovered fungus, Geomyces destructans, may also appear on a bat's wings, ears, and tail.  Scientists do not know if the fungus is the sole cause of the bat deaths, or if it is merely an opportunistic pathogen taking advantage of immune systems weakened by another biological or chemical agent.  WNS is rapidly spreading east to west across the United States. 

The alarming fact is that WNS will soon reach Illinois and it will cause the deaths of tens of thousands of bats in our State!

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources urges you to go to the following two web sites for more information:

            1.  http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/white-nosefaqs.pdf
            2.  http://www.caves.org/WNS/

If you believe that you have come across a bat afflicted with WNS in the State of Illinois, please document your location and obtain a clear digital photo and then contact  the IDNR immediately at:

Joseph A. Kath
Endangered Species Manager
Illinois DNR - Division of Natural Heritage
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, Illinois   62702-1271
Office Phone:  (217)785-8764
E-mail:  Joe.Kath@illinois.gov