White Noise Syndrome Surge Kills Bats Across Washington State

There are 15 species of bats in Washington state, and Washington state officials are urgently trying to detect new cases of “white noise syndrome,” which affects bats during hibernation.

White noise syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, attacks the skin of hibernating bats, damaging their wings and covering their snouts.

The fungus attacks bats in winter, often forcing them to emerge from hibernation prematurely and depleting their fat reserves twice as fast as normal, leading to death by starvation.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has detected the spread of the disease in 11 new counties, bringing the total number of counties affected to 21.

“The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome has been detected in Clallam, Clark, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Kitsap, Klickitat, Okanogan and Whatcom counties for the first time in 2024,” said Abby Tobin, WDFW bat species leader. “In addition, white-nose syndrome was confirmed for the first time this year in Benton and Thurston counties. WDFW and partners continue our efforts to investigate and respond to white-nose syndrome in Washington, including testing new treatments for the disease.”

The National Park Service (NPS) said bats become infected with the fungus in caves or mines where they hibernate, or through direct contact with infected bats.

WDFW does not recommend touching bats, whether dead or alive. The WDFW program has established a system for reporting sick or dead bats.

According to WDFW, white noise syndrome does not occur in humans, but people can unknowingly spread the fungus through clothing, shoes or equipment.

Bats play a key role in the country’s economy and environment because they eat pests that damage agricultural crops and the forest environment.