The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has confirmed the first case of white-nose syndrome (WNS) and the fungus that causes the disease (Pseudogymnoascus destructans or Pd) in the Fort Smith area as part of ongoing bat monitoring. White-nose syndrome is a disease threatening bats across North America. It was detected in a Northern myotis bat (Myotis septentrionalis). This is the northernmost detection of the disease in North America.

This disease does not pose any health risk to humans, and is not known to affect other species of wildlife.

White-nose syndrome is a disease associated with mass die-offs of hibernating bats. It is caused by a non-native fungus that was accidentally introduced to North America. Across the continent, more than 6 million bats have died after being infected by WNS since 2006. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has been monitoring bat populations for this disease as part of the NWT Bat Management Plan (2020).

White-nose syndrome is a threat to all five species of hibernating bats in the NWT, including the little brown myotis and the northern myotis. Both these species are currently listed as species of Special Concern under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, primarily because of their vulnerability to WNS. Management is guided by the Management Plan for Bats in the NWT (2020) as well as the National Recovery Strategy for Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis (2018).

Bats eat large numbers of insects and play an important role in ecosystems, so their loss can lead to significant ecological impacts. There is currently no known cure for WNS, so management focuses on reducing other kinds of harm to bats and supporting healthy bat populations.

WNS spreads quickly between bats and over time it could affect bat populations across the NWT. As the fungus spreads, mortalities at hibernation sites are anticipated and possibly large declines in our bat populations.

What the public can do to help

Help monitor the progression of WNS:

• Report bats that are found dead to your local or regional ECC office or WildlifeVeterinarian@gov.nt.ca, so they can be tested. 
• Collect and submit guano (bat poop) for testing (here’s how).
• Report bat observations, especially unusual behaviour such as daytime flying, to your local or regional ECC office or WildlifeObs@gov.nt.ca.

You can also help keep bats safe from other kinds of harm. Healthy, resilient bat populations will be better able to deal with the effects of white-nose syndrome. Avoid entering caves and abandoned mines where bats may be hibernating and use bat-friendly practices to deal with bats in buildings.

Learn More:

• For more information about bats in the NWT: www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/bats
• For more information on white-nose syndrome: www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/white-nose-syndrome-fact-sheet

For media requests, please contact:
ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories