Josh

The bats of North America are currently endangered species. These bats are being killed in the millions by a disease called White Nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS is a deadly disease that has killed over 6.7 million North American bats in the last year. The disease was discovered in 2007 and is found on cave walls. The U.S. government has spent over 33 million dollars battling WNS.

White Nose Syndrome is spreading rapidly in the United States. In 2012 the disease reached Ohio and Acadia National Park. By 2013 it has spread to Georgia, South Carolina and Illinois. It is confirmed that 5 Canadian provinces and 22 states and are infected with WNS. Scientists predict that the 6 species of bats in the United States could be regionally extinct within the next few years due to WNS.

The fungal growth harms bats is by spreading all over their bodies, wings, and muzzles. This causes the irritated bats to wake up during hibernation, which leads them to dehydrate or starve to death. The fat reserve that the bats have stored up for their hibernation period are used when it is not supposed be. The bats become sick and weak and eventually fall to their deaths on the cave floor.

Bats are a big help to our environment. Scientist do not know what is causing White Nose Syndrome. My action plan is to raise money to fund research to learn more about the disease and help fight White Nose Syndrome.