Speakers: Jonathan Reichard and Jeremy Coleman, White-Nose Syndrome Response Team, USFWS

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease that affects hibernating bats, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). This fungus thrives in cold, dark, and damp environments, attacking the bare skin of bats during their hibernation. As it grows, it disrupts their hibernation patterns, causing them to burn through the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. The result is often fatal, with millions of bats in North America already lost to this disease. WNS is especially concerning because bats play a critical role in ecosystems, particularly in controlling insect populations. Additionally, people can unknowingly spread the Pd fungus when they move from one location to another without properly cleaning their gear. This makes it crucial to clean and disinfect shoes, clothing, and equipment between trips to help prevent the spread of WNS. In this webinar, we’ll explore the impact of White-Nose Syndrome and learn more about the efforts of the White-Nose Syndrome Response Team to combat this deadly disease.