White-nose Syndrome Suspected in Bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park

Contact: Sara Dolan, 360-398-2240 ext 2236

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash.- Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey detected the presence of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in three bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park. These bats are part of a Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) colony housed in a bat box located in English Camp. This is the first documented case of this fungus in San Juan County, Washington.

The fungus that causes WNS, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), was first positively detected in bats in Washington state in 2016. White-nose syndrome is a disease that is often fatal in bats and is blamed for millions of bat deaths nationwide since its initial detection in New York in 2006. Pd can spread rapidly, primarily through bat-to-bat contact.

White-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans, but humans are able to spread Pd to new places. Park biologists recommend that, to protect themselves and conserve bat populations, visitors should:

Report dead/injured bats to park personnel. Never touch or pick up a bat. Although WNS does not cause illness in humans, a small percentage of bats can be infected with other dangerous diseases, such as rabies.

Decontaminate. Ensure gear and clothing is properly decontaminated after visiting a cave or other bat habitat to reduce risk of spreading the Pd fungus to other sites.

The park is home to 10 out of the 14 known species of bats in Washington state. Any new detection Pd or WNS is worrisome because bats are vital for healthy ecosystems.

For over a decade, the USGS and the National Park Service have been working together to conduct surveys and monitor bats for the presence of Pd and WNS. Federal biologists also collaborate with local researchers from Kwiaht to annually collect acoustic monitoring data.

To learn more about bats found in the park and the efforts NPS and other state and federal agencies have taken to protect bats, visit the NPS Bats site. Members of the public interested in volunteering with the park to help study bats, can visit the park website: Volunteer - San Juan Island National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)