Deathly bat fungus White Nose Syndrome makes first appearances in Alberta | Globalnews.ca

Because bats huddle closely together to survive the cold, the disease passes quickly. It’s also deadly.Installing a home for bats in your backyard, an eco-friendly way to combat bothersome mosquitoes

In one cave in Eastern Canada, 98 per cent of bats died. In eastern North America, where the disease has been present for almost 20 years, bat populations have shrunk by about 90 per cent.Alberta has already declared endangered two species of the little brown bat, the province’s most common bat, out of concern for the disease’s eventual arrival.

“We’re pretty likely to see similar declines in Alberta,” Olson said. “It’s not a lot of bats that can survive this disease.” White Nose Syndrome first appeared in North America in 2006 in New York state, probably through shipping. It’s spread mostly bat-to-bat, although humans can play a role. Bats play an important role in their various ecosystems. They are the major nighttime predator of flying insects, such as mosquitoes. A bat can eat its body weight in bugs during a single night’s hunt.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Fatal bat fungus White Nose Syndrome makes first appearances in AlbertaA disease that has been nearly wiping out bat populations in Eastern Canada and the U.S. has made its first appearance in Alberta. Poor Bats 💔😢🦇 ANYBODY that knows anything about our planet's ecosystem KNOWS how vital the survival of bats depends on it. Bats are in trouble, folks--& they are the leader in keeping insect population in check. The 3 B's: Bats, Bees & Butterflies are the saviors of our planet earth🌍
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Fatal bat fungus White Nose Syndrome shows up in AlbertaEDMONTON — A disease that has been nearly wiping out bat populations in Eastern Canada and the U.S. has made its first appearance in Alberta.
Source: OttawaCitizen - 🏆 21. / 68 Read more »