Parks Canada teams are actively engaged in treating Alberta’s bat caves with a specialized bacteria blend to combat a deadly fungal infection threatening the hibernating bat population. Nina Veselka, a biologist with Parks Canada, witnessed the impact of the infection at a cave in Jasper National Park, where bats were seen struggling to survive after falling from the cave walls.
White-nose syndrome, caused by a fungus that thrives in cold, damp environments like bat caves, is the primary threat to Alberta’s bats. The fungus manifests as a white, fuzzy growth on the bats’ snouts and wings, disrupting their hibernation and depleting their fat reserves, leading to potential starvation.
The infection was detected in several caves in the Rockies during recent surveys, including Cadomin, the largest known bat hibernation site in the province. To combat the spread, crews are applying probiotics with fungi-fighting properties at maternity roosts to inhibit the growth of the fungus on the bats’ bodies.
Veselka emphasized the importance of proactive measures, mentioning that while the probiotics are being used as a treatment in Alberta, they serve as a preventive measure in British Columbia. The arrival of white-nose syndrome in Alberta in 2022 poses a significant threat to bat populations and the ecosystem as a whole.
Lisa Wilkinson, a biologist with the Alberta government, highlighted the long-term impact of the syndrome on bat populations, citing the slow recovery process due to bats’ low reproduction rates. Despite ongoing research efforts, there is currently no definitive solution to prevent, cure, or eradicate the fungus, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and conservation efforts.
The collaborative initiatives between government agencies, conservation organizations, and researchers aim to safeguard Alberta’s bat population and prevent further ecological imbalances caused by the decline in bat numbers.