CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Monday that Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), a fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, has recently been detected in caves that serve as winter hibernating habitat for bats in Carbon and Platte County.
The fungus was detected in caves in the Shirley Mountains on Bureau of Land Management land in Carbon County and on Wyoming Military Department land in Platte County. A nearby mine in Platte County, however, tested negative for the fungus.
Game and Fish added that the U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center confirmed four bat species tested positive for Pd in annual testing of known hibernaculum (“locations where bats spend the winter”).
The detection is the first time Pd has been identified in Wyoming hibernacula, according to Game and Fish. However, it is not the first time white-nosed syndrome has been confirmed in the state. In spring 2021, bats at Bear Lodge (Devil’s Tower) tested positive. The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome was also previously detected in southeast Wyoming in 2018, according to Game and Fish.
“It’s another disappointing — but not surprising — discovery for Wyoming’s bats,” Game and Fish non-game supervisor Zack Walker said. “We know white-nose syndrome is moving to the west and additional spread within the state is likely. The disease has killed millions of bats across the continent and could have significant impacts on local populations. Bats are an important species because they are an incredible predator of insects.”
The four species that recently tested positive are Townsend’s big-eared bat and Western small-footed myotis, little brown myotis and western long-eared myotis bats, according to Game and Fish. The caves in the Shirley Mountain are home to bats of five different species and the location is the largest known hibernacula in Wyoming.
The site is also a popular recreation site, but is closed in winter to minimize disturbance to hibernating bats, according to Game and Fish.
Cavers, climbers and other recreationists are urged to clean gear in order to help prevent spread of the fungus and protect bats, according to Game and Fish. White-nose syndrome erodes the skin of bats and causes them to wake up more often than normal during hibernation.
“The syndrome kills bats through starvation or exposure when they leave the hibernaculum in search of food in the winter,” the release adds. “It has been found throughout the eastern United States and Canada, as well as in the Midwest, including South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. The fungus and white-nose syndrome do not impact humans or pets.”
Game and Fish bat biologist Laura Beard said that Wyoming’s bat hibernacula are small and that could help slow transmission of the fungus. Game and Fish said that the negative test results nearby emphasize the importance of humans working to prevent the spread of the fungus.
“Decontamination is critical right now,” Beard said. “Please take care to clean gear and footwear — and don’t wear the same clothing between caves.”
The public is being asked to take the following steps to help protect bats:
- Clean your shoes and gear before and after you visit caves or other locations where bats are present to prevent the spread of the fungus to new areas.
- Don’t take gear or clothing that’s been in an area affected by white-nose syndrome to places that are free of the fungus.
- Check canopies, umbrellas and other items for bats before packing up. They could be home to a roosting bat and this prevents unintended movement of potentially infected bats to new areas.
- Report sick or dead bats during the winter/spring to the Game and Fish non-game section by calling (307) 332-2688. Try to record the location.
- Stay out of closed caves and mines.
When the Pd fungus is detected, Walker said that it takes about two years for bat populations to begin experiencing loss due to white-nose syndrome. He added that Game and Fish will continue monitoring the locations where the fungus was detected.
“Game and Fish is now implementing a plan for responding to the detection of Pd,” the release said. “The department’s Strategic Plan for White-Nose Syndrome calls for increased coordination on management and prevention of the spread of white-nose syndrome and the Pd fungus. Action steps include limiting access to roost sites to prevent cross-contamination, putting in place further decontamination measures for those surveying bat species for scientific information and broadening surveys of roosts in an effort to monitor the spread of the fungus.”
“Game and Fish has been surveying bat populations for years. As part of routine monitoring, the department has been sampling known hibernacula for Pd. The state is home to 18 species of bats, representing a substantial contribution to our wildlife diversity. Game and Fish will be working with the Bureau of Land Management and Wyoming Military Department, as well as the University of Wyoming — Bernard Lab on continued monitoring and response efforts to new Pd detections.”
