Thanks to widespread communication in the organized caving community and coverage in the media, most cavers are aware of White Nose Syndrome (WNS). The situation is grave. First identified in caves of the northeastern United States, WNS has now spread to infect bats in many states east of the Mississippi River. The Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) fungus, which causes WNS, has been identified throughout the eastern US, and now recently (June 2022) has also been found on a bat from Colorado. Mortality rates for infected bat colonies may be as high as 70-100% during winter hibernation. There is a very real possibility that some previously common bat species will become threatened or endangered, and some North American ecosystems will see significant reductions in their dominant nocturnal predator for flying insects.
Due to fear of human transport of the fungal spores that cause WNS, cave closures in the eastern U.S. have been implemented in an attempt to slow the spread of the epidemic. WNS has not yet been identified in Colorado, but because Pd has been identified here, WNS cases may be expected soon. The White River National Forest contains many Colorado caves and recommends that all cavers adopt the following procedures:
- Do not use equipment, gear, or clothing in western caves or mines that has been used in caves or mines in WNS affected areas.
- Decontaminate equipment, gear, and clothing between caving sites. Current best-practice decontamination procedures are found HERE.
- Report unusual bat behavior, or dead or dying bats found on the ground, trees, or buildings to your state wildlife agency immediately. In Colorado contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
For the latest on cave access restrictions due to WNS visit the Colorado Closed and Restricted Access Caves webpage.
For more information, please see:
Two-page NSS brochure on WNS: http://www.caves.org/WNS/WNS%20FINAL%20%207~3~09%20FINAL.pdf
The official link for the latest news on WNS from the National Speleological Society: http://www.caves.org/WNS/
The national White Nose Syndrome Response Team website.
Announcement of Pd being found in Colorado.