Bats

Bats and Ecology

When many people think of bats, they think of scary, blood-sucking creatures, or maybe even vampires - but there is little reason to fear bats! The majority of bats eat night-flying insects, and are gentle animals that rarely bite humans (although, of course, it is always best to keep your distance from all wildlife). In fact, bats bring immense ecological value to your national forests. Some plants depend partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds, while other bats also help control pests by eating insects such as mosquitoes.

White-Nose Syndrome in the Pacific Northwest

The population of bats in North America has decreased in the past several years due to a fungal disease called White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS is a disease affecting hibernating bats (in caves). Named for the white fungus that appears on the muzzle and other parts of hibernating bats, WNS is associated with extensive mortality of bats in eastern U.S. It has since spread to multiple states, including Oregon and Washington. The Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service is committed to preventing the disease from killing bats in our forests. 

(Photo credit to ODFW)

How WNS Is Spread

Bat to Bat – Bat to bat transmission of Geomyces destructans has been documented in lab conditions and the geographic pattern of spread appears to support lab findings. It is also possible that other unknown agents associated with WNS are spread bat to bat.

Cave to Humans to Bats – Aspects of the geographic spread suggest that humans may transmit WNS from infected sites to clean sites. This kind of spread is most likely occurring from clothing and equipment that are not properly cleaned/decontaminated between sites. 

How You Can Help

• DO NOT use gear (equipment, helmets, ropes, clothes, lights, boots, packs, etc.) in caves or mines that have been used in states with documented WNS or the Geomyces destructans fungus
• Decontaminate/clean all gear if caving
• Observe cave closure periods on public lands

We encourage you to learn more about how you can help to prevent this deadly disease from spreading by visiting the Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region website.

Did you know that Bat Week is October 24 - October 31? What better time to celebrate bats than during Halloween!

During Bat Week, kids across North America get involved in bat conservation in their own backyards - you can even learn how to build a bat house to provide more bat habitat! From science projects to lunchtime bat groups to social media campaigns, there are many ways for kids to get involved with helping bats.