Peachland researchers warn of dead bats – Keremeos Review



[ad_1]

A Peachland bat company is again asking for help to protect bats in British Columbia.

Bats are threatened by the disease and researchers are again on the lookout for white nose syndrome, a fungal disease responsible for the deaths of millions of bats in the east of the country. North America, which has shifted to the west coast, said the BC Community Bat Program in a press release.

Confirmed in the state of Washington, just 150 kilometers south of British Columbia. border, the presence of the fungus is very worrying for the health of our bat populations. The mortality of the disease is close to 100% in some species of bats exposed to the fungus, including the famous little brown bat. Although devastating for bats, the WNS does not affect humans, the statement said.

"We believe our bats are hibernating in relatively small groups in the province," said Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, program coordinator for Okanagan's BC Community Bat program. "Detecting the WNS in our province will require many eyes on the ground."

The first typical sign of this disease is flying bats in winter, an unusual sighting at a time of year when bats should hibernate. The appearance of dead bats outside, which succumb to the effects of the WNS, is another sign of the presence of WNS, the statement said.

If you find a dead bat, report it to CBP 1-855-922-2287 ext. 13 or [email protected] as soon as possible for more information. Never touch a dead bat with your bare hands. Please note that if you or your pet have been in direct contact with the bat, you will need additional information regarding the risk of rabies to you and your pet.

To contact the BC Community Bat Program, visit www.bcbats.ca, email [email protected] or call 1-855-922-2287 ext. 13

[email protected]
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

[ad_2]
Source link